According to their own mission statement, the Divers Alert Network (DAN) helps divers in need of medical emergency assistance and promotes dive safety through research, education, products, and services. That is a lofty goal for any organization, and DAN stepped up to the challenge in 1980. There are a few key benefits of a Divers Alert Network membership, and we’ll review some main aspects of their organization in this post.
Medical Support and Insurance
DAN started simply, with a non-emergency telephone hotline put into place and manned by medical experts that supported all aspects of diving injuries. Then in 1983, the Divers Alert Network formed as a membership organization to better diversify funding and ensure its continued existence.
An insurance program was added in 1987. The current policies can cover anything from canceled trip costs to gear replacement to group life insurance. Going above and beyond yet again five years later, an evacuation program for members was implemented. The popularity and growth of DAN’s programs highlighted the initial need for them and potentially more into the future.
Written and Online Resources
DAN has created several written sources including a hazardous marine life guide and some materials on common diver health concerns like decompression sickness. Reviewing information online is always a great start as well as taking education classes. Having some basic guides on hand at home can keep that knowledge fresh and easier to remember in times of trouble.
Training and Education
First aid training is offered to all abilities, including health care providers. These courses are not just offered in the United States but also globally, such as in Chile, where the content is delivered in Spanish. They say to truly understand a subject you should teach it. DAN has a program to learn how to be an instructor and even a thread to become an instructor trainer. The training offered from their knowledge base is definitely one of the key benefits of Divers Alert Network.
Research and Workshops
Many years of research and data collection have been done by DAN, one study of which is available annually as a downloadable compilation of diver fatalities and injuries. These research study results are not only a benefit of Divers Alert Network, but they help us to continue to improve through experience. Workshops and conferences for industry experts are made accessible to anyone who would like to attend, and the information is posted online afterwards.
As we move into the future, we must also teach our future leaders. DAN’s internship program, begun in 1999, helps young people understand the research and medical concerns of diving through active participation. Students pair with mentors and engage in actual data collection and technical writing. All of these efforts are accomplished with the goal of making diving safer and more enjoyable — benefits that all divers can appreciate.
