ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
CPR: cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Acronyms and Abbreviations
The following are among the acronyms and abbreviations that you may encounter in this guide as well as in other publications regarding travelers’ health. See the glossary for definitions of these and other terms.
AED: automated external defibrillator
AGE: arterial gas embolism
AIDS: acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
ALS: advanced life support
AMS: acute mountain sickness
BLS: basic life support
CAGE: cerebral arterial gas embolism
CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.)
CPR: cardiopulmonary resuscitation
DAN: Divers Alert Network
DCI: decompression illness
DCS: decompression sickness
DEET: N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (an insect repellent)
DVT: deep vein thrombosis
EMS: emergency medical services
ENT: ear, nose and throat
fsw: feet of seawater
HELP: heat-escape-lessening position
HIV: human immunodeficiency virus
IDDM: insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
msw: meters of seawater
NOAA: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (U.S.)
ORS: oral rehydrating solution/salt
OSHA: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (U.S.)
PPD: purified protein derivative (a tuberculosis skin test)
TB: tuberculosis
TD: travelers’ diarrhea
UHMS: Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society
WHO: World Health Organization
DAN Customer Service
Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET
+1 (919) 684-2948
+1 (800) 446-2671
Fax: +1 (919) 490-6630
24/7 Emergency Hotline
In event of a dive accident or injury, call local EMS first, then call DAN.
24/7 Emergency Hotline:
+1 (919) 684-9111
(Collect calls accepted)
DAN must arrange transportation for covered emergency medical evacuation fees to be paid.
Medical Information Line
Get answers to your nonemergency health and diving questions.
Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET
+1 (919) 684-2948, Option 4
Online: Ask A Medic
(Allow 24-48 hours for a response.)