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DPH mulls decompression chamber
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Posted on Apr 25 2006
The March 15 diving accident involving two Japanese at Shark Point has prompted the Department of Public Health to consider the acquisition of its own decompression chamber.
Public Health Secretary Joseph Kevin Villagomez disclosed during a media conference last week that plans are underway on the possible acquisition of the equipment.
He said he is collaborating with appropriate government agencies and non-government organizations to make this project a reality.
Villagomez said the decompression chamber, or hyperbaric chamber, is a key project that the Public Health Office wants to accomplish this year.
The March 15 near-drowning incident involved two victims, both males, who were flown by helicopter to Guam for decompression treatment after preliminary medical treatment at the Commonwealth Health Center.
The DPH secretary said his office has recognized for a long time now the need for the hyperbaric chamber that allows recompression therapy for decompression illness that should be performed as soon as possible in scuba diving accidents.
The equipment is just appropriate since the CNMI is regarded to have one of the best diving sites in the world.
Villagomez said he is also collaborating with the CHC Volunteers, Saipan Chamber of Commerce, Marianas Visitors Authority, and other private firms to acquire the equipment.
Villagomez said the cost would depend on the size of the decompression chamber. “There are different chambers with four- to five-person capacity.”
The DPH secretary said he is hoping that the hospital could get at least one decompression chamber this year.
He said he considers the purchase of the decompression chamber not only a hospital project but also a community project.
