Correct me if I an wrong about the timing of the helicopter evacuation, I think that 90 minutes for a helicopter to arrive is pretty fast. They are not standing ready as an ambulance service. Somebody had to contact them, get pilot etc. and it must take about half an hour to fly there?

I would also like to know what level of certification the diver had. Many people never bother to get an advanced certificate even if they have done 100's of dives. This is an issue PADI and DAN have been pushing for.

I thought all dive boats carried oxygen and all dive masters had CPR training.

Perhaps an option could have been to put the victim, family, dive master and anyone who did not want to continue the dive on Half Moon Bay to await for the Coast Guard and helicopter.

This is a very ticklish matter. Imagine you are a diver who has spent a lot of money and have a limited amount of time to do the dives of your dreams. There is nothing you can do for the victim. Then of course the dive operator would have to refund the money to anyone who did not dive.

It's one of those daxxed if you do and daxxed if you don't situations. Believe me - the dive shop will be put through hell while being thoroughly investigate.

If it could have made a difference, time wise to save the victim, Northern 2 Cayes has an airstrip, 20 minutes by fixed wing acft. from Belize City or SPR. Also, a dr. could have most likely been available for the flt.
just hindsight now though..........

For God's sake Harriette there's a dead man with his family and you think the other people are entitled to fulfill the vacation of their dreams while rigamortus sets in on the poor stiff. Reminds me of one of the National Lampon Vacation movies when they tied the dead grandmother to the top of the roof of their car while they finished their vacation

No matter the particulars in this case, its been a tough year+ for the ADM operation.


DC

I think the reason for Half Moon over Northern 2 may have something to do with the facilities for support at the rangers station during an emergency.

I agree with Diane as to the length of time for helicopter to arrive seems to be almost as fast as it could possibly get there and so must have been contacted right away.

Loansum, do you dive? Some divers might even have thought it the respectful thing to do, to continue diving because for example, if I were the victim myself, I wouldn't want anyone to miss their dives because of me. And I'd want them to continue their dives if they felt able. That to me would be respectful and an honor of my love of diving and our diving fellowship.

It's a very long boat ride from the Blue Hole to Northern Two Caye. Gustavo flies a lot of missions in the 407 and 206 with Astrum Helicopters. They are not just on stand by for medical events. Did they have to wait for a doctor before launching from Belize City? In a perfect scenario it would be at least an hour to get out help flown out there, IMHO.

As for an AED, they only help two types of heart rhythms. And CPR, once started, shouldn't be stopped. Usually a survivor of CPR is treated at a hospital in a rapid manner.

As for continuing diving that day, that should have been left up to the non family member divers, IMHO.

Marty,
Might be time to close this thread. Too many opinions from individuals with no direct knowedge or information to add.

Just one more opinion...

Could not agree more. Marty close this thread lets show some respect for the family.