BIOGRAPHY
Consultant Physician Nelson Hospital 1983 – current
Member South Pacific Underwater Medical Society 1992 – 2014
Diving medical course Hyperbaric Medical Unit Devonport 1992
Occupational Diving Medical examiner 1992 – 2014
Advisor to local Industry and Recreational diving fraternity
Active recreational diver 1972 – current (42 years)
NZ Underwater Certification 1978
PADI recertification 2008
Related qualifications:-
Basic
Enriched air
Advanced open water
ABSTRACT
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions And The Older Diver
Society is getting older; we are living longer and want to continue to do things considered inappropriate in former times. Scuba diving is no exception. If proof is needed that you are never too old to dive then look no further that the most famous of all time – Jacque Cousteau whom dived until his death at the ripe age of 87. Scuba diving for older aged individuals (Boomers) raises many questions. Definition of older is moot. For the purpose, physiological age is far more important than the chronological age with important consideration to fitness, comorbidities and associated medications, mobility and strength.
Whilst occupational diving is closely regulated and most commercial dive facilities will require confirmation of training certification before engaging with recreational divers, international standards vary and New Zealand is no exception. Safety becomes a primary concern when making recommendations about diving with relative comorbidities and the decision when to quit diving largely rests with the individual.
Our role as Medical Practitioners is to identify and ensure risk inherent in pre-existing conditions is appreciated, consider ways this may be functionally accessed and minimised, and ensure the individual is fully informed.
In this situation the decision to stop SCUBA diving may ultimately become a matter of when it is no longer “fun”.
This talk will summarise the relevant diving physiology and related issues.
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