INTRODUCTION

At our central unit we offer specialized medical care for patients suffering from Decompression Sickness, Arterial Gas Embolism and practically all accidents derived from diving and aquatic sports, ie: traumas, lesions inflicted by marine creatures (stings, allergic reactions) etc. We also equipped with an X-Ray unit in the premises. 

The facility has four permanent staff members: Site Manager & DMT: Mr. Eleazar Portillo, Senior Chamber Operator & DMT: Mrs. Antonia Guerrero, Patient Attendant & Chamber Operator: Mr. Abner Bacab, & Hyperbaric Physician Dr. Otto Rodriguez.

THE NATURE OF OUR BUSINESS

The nature of this company is to respond to any pressure related injuries such as Decompression Sickness (DCS) commonly referred to as (the bends) and Arterial Gas Embolism (AGE) jointly known as Decompression Illness (DCI). This clinic is equipped with Certified Professional Hyperbaric Physicians, Certified Diving Medical Technicians (DMT), and Certified Patient Tenders capable to assist patients dealing with these situations. For this SSSB uses a Multiplace Double Lock Recompression Chamber, which is equipped to accommodate up to five patients at the same time plus a Patient Tender who has to be inside at all times. 

The company follows effective treatment tables mostly based on the United States Navy. These protocols are applied depending on the severity of the case and on the Physicians recommendation. Upon the physician making the diagnosis and prescribing the adequate treatment, the Diving Medical Technician (DMT) takes over by instructing the patient and tender to get prepared to initiate treatment. 

The patient will be given a series of treatments until all symptoms are resolved completely.

Perhaps the single most important factor in aiding to secure a good outcome in treating DCI is early detection, followed by early treatment. This is why SSSB takes great pains in extending free educational programs to the dive operators and their staff. 

Needless to say, there is an enormous cost of being also "close" to the accidents (Reef), which means being away from large infrastructure (cities), But the outcome for our injured patients is a true "success story". Thanks in good part to these joint education program and early assistance. 

To make this facility available everyday is a very expensive undertaking and that is the reason why we developed what we call our ACCESS program to subsidize some of our operating expenses. The chamber cannot survive solely on doing insurance billing because we only have an average of 2 to 3 cases per month but we must be ready -yet idle of activity over 300 days each year! We ask for the full cooperation of divers who may require our services to provide us with all their insurance information, this way we can continue providing this vital safety service to all those who may need it.

As an incentive to local dive masters and non-profit organizations, SSSB offers diver ACCIDENT AND EVACUATION COVERAGE to the dive personnel of its members. This is a special package, which is offered to the members at 50% discount, meaning that SSSB absorbs half of this cost. The premium of the insurance is $80 USD per annum and it is offered to our members at $80 BZD. This offer is only for current members of the ACCESS program and subscription must be done at this facility. 

SUBAQUATICS OF BELIZE LTD.

PO Box 76, San Pedro Town, Belize Central America

Emergency Line: 501-226-2851

Tel: 501-226-3195 Fax: 501-226-2852
Email: sssbelize@aol.com