Hospitals, Clinics & Urgent Care
Read article
Dive Medicine in the Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands has a well-regulated, world class diving industry but it's important to dive within your limits and know what to do in an emergency.
The Cayman Islands has a well-regulated, world class diving industry that has a solid safety record. But accidents do happen from time to time. Most accidents occur when divers refuse to avoid basic safety rules and push the limits or when people with high risk medical conditions choose to dive. If you have a high risk medical condition that may be exacerbated by diving, talk to your family doctor before travelling.
A common medical condition that divers experience is the bends. The bends, also known as decompression sickness, occurs when nitrogen is dissolved in the blood and tissue by high pressure bubbles as pressure decreases. Symptoms may include fatigue and pain in the muscles or joints. Some common risk factors that contribute to the bends are certain heart defects, dehydration, flying after diving and fatigue. If you are experiencing any symptoms of the bends, seek medical attention right away. The George Town Hospital has a fully equipped decompression chamber and medical professionals that can assist.
For medical emergencies dial 911 or contact:
George Town Hospital (HSA)
George Town Hospital manages accident and medical emergencies for the three Islands, including diving-related emergencies. The Hyperbaric services can be reached on (345) 949 8600 Ext. 2579
When Diving Always
- Regularly check air supply and dive time using a dive computer.
- Ascend before reaching no-decompression limits.
- Adhere to the buddy system.
