Following countless hours of research, discussion and collaboration among the world’s leading experts in hyperbaric and dive medicine, several new dive medical forms are now available. In 2017 an international group of dive medical experts, the Diver Medical Screen Committee (DMSC), initiated an evidence-based review of the existing diver medical screening system. Following field testing and significant input from the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS), DAN and other experts, DMSC published the updated diver screening system in June 2020.
Endorsed by DAN, UHMS, the World Recreational Scuba Training Council, training agencies and others, the new Recreational Diving Medical Screening System consists of three forms and allows everyone who can safely scuba dive to do so while also encouraging those with possible health risks to be medically evaluated for their fitness to dive.
Divers and dive professionals should check out the new Diver Medical Participant Questionnaire. Physicians who need to evaluate a person’s fitness to dive should review the Diving Medical Guidance forms (a peer-referenced guide for physicians seeking additional information about how specific conditions relate to diving) and complete the Diver Medical Physician’s Evaluation Form.
To access these forms, go to UHMS.org and click on “Recreational Diving Medical Screening System” under the “Resources” tab.
© Alert Diver — Q3/Q4 2020