The Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC) has once again demonstrated its growing role as a regional centre of excellence after successfully activating its emergency hyperbaric response to treat an international patient suffering from suspected Type 2 decompression sickness following a recreational scuba dive in the Virgin Islands.
The patient, a 34-year-old female recreational diver, developed neurological symptoms after completing a dive to depths of approximately 80 to 90 feet, despite adhering to standard ascent and decompression protocols. She was initially assessed and stabilised at the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital (Peebles Hospital) in Tortola, British Virgin Islands, where she received high-flow oxygen and supportive medical care.
After consultation with the Divers Alert Network (DAN), the case was reviewed by DAN’s emergency team and medical director, who recommended urgent Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy using the U.S. Navy Treatment Table 6 as the definitive course of treatment. With no hyperbaric facilities available in the British Virgin Islands, SLBMC was identified as the most appropriate regional referral centre.
Medical Director of the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, Dr. Shivon Belle-Jarvis, said the response reflects both the institution’s local responsibility and its expanding regional role.
“At Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, serving our people is always our first responsibility,” Dr. Belle-Jarvis said. “At the same time, we recognise the importance of regional collaboration, and we are proud to support neighbouring territories by providing specialised services such as hyperbaric medicine. This case reflects our commitment to preparedness, partnership, and the delivery of timely, high-quality care.”
The transfer and treatment were coordinated by Dr. Benjamín Bridge, Senior Registrar in Internal Medicine and Hyperbaric Medicine Lead at SLBMC, who oversaw both the clinical and logistical planning for the patient’s arrival and care.
“This case highlighted the critical importance of regional collaboration in managing diving emergencies,” Dr. Bridge said. “Through close coordination with the referring hospital, Divers Alert Network, and air-ambulance providers, we were able to deliver prompt recompression therapy and comprehensive medical care without delay.”
SLBMC’s hyperbaric unit is equipped to deliver U.S. Navy Treatment Table 6 and other evidence-based hyperbaric protocols for decompression illness and selected emergency conditions. Upon arrival in Antigua, the patient was assessed by the internal medicine and hyperbaric teams, with treatment initiated immediately and supported by continuous neurological monitoring.
The successful management of the case underscores the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre’s expanding role as a regional referral hub for specialised, time-sensitive emergency services and reflects its ongoing commitment to strengthening healthcare partnerships across the Caribbean.
It’s reassuring to know that if something rare or critical happens, we’re not completely unprepared