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MDSU-1 Helps Injured Diver

Navy Newsstand

Story Number: NNS031028-05

Release Date: 10/28/2003 12:25:00 PM

From Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 1 Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 1 was involved in an unprecedented medical evacuation of an injured civilian diver from Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands, Oct. 8. 2003.

Just three days before MDSU-1 became involved, a civilian diver with a diving tour group near Majuro Island developed Decompression Sickness (DCS) shortly after completing a long series of dives. The diver's medical condition was quite serious, as his lower legs quickly became completely paralyzed due to DCS damage to his spinal cord. The individual was transported to an Army hyperbaric chamber on Kwajalein Atoll, where he received several hyperbaric treatments. None of the treatments reversed the severity of his paralysis.

MDSU-1 responded to the call along with their Hyperlite Emergency Evacuation Hyperbaric System (HEEHS). This system is essentially a long Kevlar tube that can be pressurized to a depth of 60 feet. The HEEHS is capable of being pressurized like any hyperbaric chamber made out of metal, but because it is made out of Kevlar it is more easily transportable. It only holds one patient, but can be transported in aircraft as small as a Blackhawk helicopter.

The Air Force was contacted by MDSU-1 for additional assistance in transporting this patient in a C-17.

"This is the first time we used the system in an actual medical emergency in an aircraft," said Lt. Todd Ochsner, MDSU-1 medical officer. "It's something we've been practicing with for several months."

The MDSU-1 and Air Force C-17 team made its way out to the Kwajalein Atoll. Upon landing, five hours later, the medical response team retrieved the injured diver from the Kwajalein medical facility and made preparations for him to board the aircraft and enter the HEEHS.

The patient was sent to the Hawaii State Hyperbaric Facility for medical treatment and further evaluation. He will soon be sent to a hospital on the mainland where he will undergo spinal cord rehabilitation.

"MDSU-1's ability to respond to this emergency evacuation is a testament to its flexibility and ability to get the job done right the first time," Ochsner said. "Typically expected to dive the world over, MDSU-1 can now lay claim to diving the wild blue yonder, as well."