Future synergism in diving accident management: the Singapore model

(Chong SJ, Liang W, Kim Si, Kang WL. Future synergism in diving accident management: the Singapore model. Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine. 2010;40(1):41-3.) With the rise in popularity of recreational diving in recent years comes increasing numbers and risk of diving-related injuries and demand for professional medical treatment of such injuries. Concurrently, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has become more readily available for the treatment of various medical conditions. In Singapore, diving and hyperbaric medicine was largely a military medicine specialty confined to the Singapore Armed Forces for many years. The new Hyperbaric and Diving Medicine Centre set up in Singapore General Hospital (SGH) offers an excellent opportunity for collaboration between the Singapore Navy Medical Service (NMS) and SGH. This combines the expertise in the field of diving and hyperbaric medicine that NMS provides, with the resources and specialized services available at SGH. This collaboration was formalized by the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two organisations. The partnership will allow both organisations to build on each other's strengths and enhance the development of research and training capabilities. This collaboration will also be an important step towards formal recognition and accreditation of diving and hyperbaric medicine as a medical subspecialty in the foreseeable future, thus helping its development in Singapore. This synergistic approach in diving accident management will also promote Singapore as a leader in the field of diving and hyperbaric medicine in the region.