Antigua Hyperbaric Care Saves Diver from British Virgin Islands

Antigua hyperbaric care proved critical when Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC) treated a 34-year-old diver from the British Virgin Islands. She suffered Type 2 decompression sickness after a dive to 80–90 feet.

Initially, doctors at Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital in Tortola stabilized her with oxygen and supportive care. However, she needed urgent hyperbaric treatment. Therefore, SLBMC was called in as the regional referral center.

The Divers Alert Network (DAN) recommended immediate Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy using U.S. Navy Treatment Table 6. SLBMC’s team quickly organized her transfer and care.

Dr. Shivon Belle-Jarvis, SLBMC Medical Director, explained, “We focus on timely, high-quality care. Regional collaboration ensures patients receive advanced treatment quickly.”

Dr. Benjamin Bridge, Senior Registrar and Hyperbaric Lead, coordinated logistics and supervised treatment. He said, “Working with DAN and the referring hospital, we delivered recompression therapy without delay.”

Upon arrival, the internal medicine and hyperbaric team assessed the patient. They started treatment immediately and monitored her neurological condition closely. SLBMC’s hyperbaric unit is fully equipped for emergency decompression sickness care.

Moreover, this case highlights SLBMC’s growing role as a Caribbean hub for specialized emergency medicine. The hospital strengthens regional partnerships to improve outcomes for time-sensitive cases.

Overall, Antigua hyperbaric care demonstrates how regional coordination and expert protocols save lives. Patients from islands without hyperbaric facilities now receive timely, advanced care.

SLBMC continues to lead in emergency hyperbaric medicine while supporting patients across the Caribbean. The hospital’s commitment ensures safety, rapid treatment, and recovery for all diving emergencies.

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