by Harry Barthel, DMT

World Class in Diving Safety

Milestone: Over 300 Divers successfully treated at the local Hyperbaric Chamber

Recently, Buceo Medico Mexicano (BMM) Playa del Carmen, the local Hyperbaric Chamber affiliated to the world wide Subaquatic Safety Services (SSS) chamber network, celebrated a little landmark. It successfully treated the 300th diver suffering from Decompression Illness (DCI) since it first opened its doors in 1997.

In the eight years since its inception, BMM Playa evolved from a small stand - alone recompression chamber to a state of the art hyperbaric facility. Its team now consists of 5 qualified Tender/Operators (TOP), 2 Hyperbaric Safety Directors (HSD), a Dive Medical Technician (DMT), and 2 Dive Medical Officers (DMO). BMM Playa is part of Subaquatic Safety Services, the oldest and largest network of Hyperbaric Chambers in Mexico.

BMM specializes in treating divers suffering from Decompression Illness (“the bends”) and has facilities in Merida, Cancun, Cozumel, Belize and of course here in Playa Del Carmen.

Of course “bent” divers are not the only type of patients that can be treated in this clinic. It is attended by a GP that can deal with most types of illnesses. The clinic features X- ray equipment, has advanced life support capability and a fully equipped overnight patient room.

Our 2 physicians are on call 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week. Of course, treating divers that have suffered from DCI is only part of our job here at BMM Playa. Almost as important is the prevention of dive accidents.

Dive Safety Education is very high on our agenda, with lectures and seminars being held at regular intervals in our modern lecture rooms upstairs in the facility. These lectures are free of charge to our affiliated dive shops.

The Clinic and Hyperbaric Chamber is located in Playa del Carmen on 10 Avenue and Calle 28, right next to “Cable Mas” offices. For any dive medical enquiries or emergencies call: Playa: 984 873 1755 (24hrs).

Other Chambers:

Cancun:998 892 7049 (24hrs)

Cozumel:987 872 1430 (24hrs)

Merida:99 483 441(24hrs)

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