This week, Aebhric OKelly talks with Leandra Lynn, a combat medic and Divers Alert Network (DAN) professional, who shares her experiences and insights into the world of diving medicine. She discusses her journey from being a linguist to a combat medic, the critical role of DAN in dive safety, and the challenges faced in handling emergency calls related to diving injuries. Leandra emphasises the importance of proper medical guidance for divers, the varying standards of diving medicine across the globe, and the benefits of DAN membership for divers. She also advises new medics entering the field of diving medicine, highlighting the significance of utilising available resources and seeking expert guidance.

Takeaways

Leandra Lynn is a combat medic and works with DAN.

DAN provides a 24-hour emergency hotline for divers.

Diving procedures vary by region due to different medical standards.

Barotrauma is the most common diving injury reported to DAN.

DAN membership offers benefits like medical evacuation and insurance.

Divers should consult dive medicine specialists for complex medical histories.

Learning to dive in challenging conditions prepares divers for emergencies.

DAN assists with global non-emergency dive safety questions.

Effective communication is crucial in handling diving emergencies.

New medics should leverage resources and ask questions for better outcomes.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Leandra Lynn and Her Work

03:01 Diving into the Role of a Combat Medic

05:51 Understanding Divers Alert Network (DAN)

09:02 Challenges in Diving Medicine Calls

12:02 Diving Procedures and Medical Standards Worldwide

14:57 The Importance of DAN Membership

17:50 Common Diving Emergencies and Injuries

20:46 Resources for Diving Medicine

24:01 Advice for New Medics in Diving Medicine