Topics
In recent years, a lot of work has been done to address the causes of decompression sickness. As a result, new insights and theories are being brought to light. This course, which is delivered by internationally renowned lecturers, discusses theories on the origin of decompression bubbles, the effects of decompression, prevention of the harmful effects of decompression bubbles, and the significance of these factors for diving and divers.
The following subjects will be covered:
- - decompression models,

- - decompression tables,
- - decompression illness and its clinical manifestation,
- - predisposing factors,
- - prevention and treatment,
- - recompression,
- - the effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy,
- - treatment with hyperbaric oxygen
Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy (HBOT) is still not valued in mainstream medicine; is this due to ignorance or lack of familiarity? In this course we will try to answer this question.
In addition to the mechanisms involved in the administration of oxygen under pressure, we will also address the usage of HBOT in otorhinolaryngology, as well as other areas where HBOT is indicated. Last but not least, the latest developments in the field of HBOT will be discussed.
General information
Venue:
Bovendonk is an old seminar located in the centre of the little village Hoeven in West-Brabant, between Rotterdam, Antwerp and Eindhoven. The unique location and historical character of the old seminar give a special touch and atmosphere to your personal- or business meeting. The neo-gothic abbey in which the conference centre houses is impressive and makes your stay at Bovendonk unforgettable. During your stay at Bovendonk we will take care for you and your guests in culinary aspects as well, as our chefs surprises you with his dishes.Hotel Bovendonk has 48 hotel rooms with bathroom and toilet with a view into the garden or the forest surrounding the premises.
Number of participants:
Given the structure and the interactive nature of this course, up to twenty four people can register.
Entrance Level:
The course is open to medical examiner of divers, diving physicians and physicians who have successfully completed the diving medicine basic course Part I.
Date:
11-12 June 2021. (new date)
Accreditation:
The course is part of the international certification of Diving Medicine Physicians and has been accredited with 17 CME points for Diving Medicine Physicians and Medical Examiners of Divers.
Certificate:
On completion of the course, all participants will receive a certificate of attendance.
Course materials:
The course manual will be handed out on the first day of the course.
Costs:
The basic price of the diving medicine course is €835 and includes coffee, tea, 2x lunch and all the course literature. Hotel accommodation is not included.
For registrations received after February 15th 2021 an additional cost of €35 applies.
Faculty:
Dr Peter Germonpré, a hyperbaric and diving medicine physician of the Military Hospital, Brussels. Past-president of the EUBS.
Dr Jacek Kot of the National Center for Hyperbaric Medicine, Medical University of Gdynia, President of ECHM, Past president of the EUBS.
Course schedule
Friday March 12th
09.00h - 09.15h Course introduction
09.15h - 10.00h History of decompression procedures
10.00h - 11.00h Decompression models (Haldane, Buhlmann, RGBM, probabilistic): maths vs physiology
11.00h - 11.15h Break
11.15h - 12.00h Bubble formation: physics vs pathophysiology
12.00h - 13.15h Risk factors for decompression diseases
13.15h - 14.00h Lunch
14.00h - 14.45h Case reports decompression sickness
14.45h - 16.00h Types of DCS, classification and clinical symptoms
16.00h - 16.15h Break
16.15h - 17.00h Prevention of DCS
17.00h - 17.45h Gas mixtures and decompression
17.45h - 18.15h Dive profiles and decompression
Saturday March 13th
08.00h - 08.30h Extreme recreational diving
08.30h - 09.30h Past, current and future research on decompression sickness
09.30h - 10.30h Treatment of DCS/DCI
10.30h - 10.45h Break
10.45h - 11.45h Recompression tables
11.45h - 13.00h HBO therapy – principles
13.00h - 13.45h Lunch
13.45h - 15.00h HBO Therapy – indications other than DCS (ECHM, UHMS); contraindications
15.00h - 15.15h Break
15.15h - 15.45h HBO therapy practice – types of chambers, different tables and procedures used worldwide
15.45h - 16.30h Personnel involved in HBOT – medical fitness, training, Code of Good Practice
16.30h - 17.15h HBOT: Safety & Efficiency, Toxicity & Adverse effects
17.15h - 17.45h Examination
Registration
bank account: NL23INGB0001911767 Swift/BIC: INGBNL2A, ING Bank
Scott Haldane Foundation address: PO box 466, 1200 AL, Hilversum, The Netherlands
By signing and submitting the registration form over the internet, you also declare that the Haldane Foundation cannot be held responsible for any costs resulting from damage incurred during or by participation in this course, or damages of any kind caused by any third parties. The general terms of the Scott Haldane Foundation apply. Registrations are processed in order of receipt.
Cancellation policy
The following cancellations rules are applicable:
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- For cancellation by the participant more than three months prior to the starting date of the activity, there is an administration fee of €150 excl. any ticket or accommodation cancellation fee.
- For cancellation by the participant between three months and one month prior to the starting date of the activity, 90% of the total course fee, excl. any ticket or accommodation cancellation costs is payable.
- For cancellation by the participant less than one months prior to the starting date of the activity, 100% of the total course fee is payable.
All cancellations must be in writing or by confirmed e-mail, addressed to the Scott Haldane Foundation. For clarity, in defining the point of cancellation, it is determined upon the date of receipt of the participant’s notice of cancellation by the Scott Haldane Foundation.
