Citation

Lippmann J, Walker D, Lawrence CC, Fock AW, Wodak T, Harris R, Jamieson S. Diving Hyperb. Med. 2013; 43(1): 16-34.

Affiliation

Executive Director of Divers Alert Network (DAN) Asia-Pacific, and is a PhD candidate at James Cook University, P O Box 384, Ashburton VIC 3147, Australia, Phone: +61-(0)3-9886-9166, Fax: +61-(0)3-9886-9155, E-mail: johnl@danasiapacific.org.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, South Pacific Underwater Medicine Society and European Underwater and Baromedical Society)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

23508659

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: An individual case review of diving-related deaths, reported as occurring in Australia in 2008, was conducted as part of the DAN Asia-Pacific dive fatality reporting project. METHOD: The case studies were compiled using reports from witnesses, the police and coroners. In each case, the particular circumstances of the accident and details from the post-mortem examination, where available, are provided. RESULTS: In total, there were 19 reported fatalities (the same as for 2007), 17 involving males. Twelve deaths occurred while snorkelling and/or breath-hold diving,and six while scuba diving. One diver died while using surface-supply breathing apparatus. Two breath-hold divers appear to have died as a result of apnoeic hypoxia, at least one case likely associated with hyperventilation. Two deaths resulted from trauma: one from impact with a boat and the other from an encounter with a great white shark. Cardiac-related issues were thought to have contributed to the deaths of five snorkellers and at least two, possibly three, scuba divers. CONCLUSIONS: Trauma from a marine creature, snorkelling or diving alone, apnoeic hypoxia and pre-existing medical conditions were once again features in several deaths in this series.

Language: en