Diver Faces Life-Threatening Situation: Coquimbo Hyperbaric Chamber Reportedly Out of Service

Original article: Buzo vivió crítico momento: Denuncian que cámara hiperbárica de Coquimbo no está en funcionamiento

A diver from Tongoy experienced a critical situation when he suffered from decompression sickness and was urgently transported to Coquimbo. In the midst of this emergency, it was discovered that the hyperbaric chamber was non-operational, leading to his transfer to Valparaíso, which put his life at further risk.

This incident prompted Congresswoman Carolina Tello (Frente Amplio) to officially request an explanation from the Health Service regarding why the hyperbaric chamber in Coquimbo is not functioning. She emphasized the importance of this facility for the maritime community and others who require delicate treatments.

«In emergencies, every hour counts, and this issue arises in a context of budget cuts that are severely impacting our healthcare network,» the congresswoman recalled.

«For this reason, we have reached out to the Health Service to inquire how long the hyperbaric chamber has been out of service, how many patients have had to be redirected, what consequences these transfers have had, and when it will be operational again,» detailed Congresswoman Tello.

The legislator stated that the government «must respond if the lack of resources is affecting the operational capacity of such a critical service, which can make the difference between a successful operation or serious complications.»

Meanwhile, Pascual Aguilera, president of Fetramar Elqui, warned that «there have indeed been accidents, and recently the hyperbaric chamber has been out of service. We are working to find out if it will be repaired, when, and we want to hear it straight from the director of the Coquimbo Hospital.»

«I believe it is urgent and necessary to push authorities because they seem very complacent while divers continue to suffer from illnesses and have to travel to Valparaíso, which carries its own risks. Along with Congresswoman Tello, we are organizing meetings, and this Wednesday we have one scheduled with the director of the Coquimbo Hospital to request a follow-up meeting with Mr. Jorquera from the Health Service for a real statement,» emphasized the leader.

Finally, Congresswoman Tello highlighted that the hyperbaric chamber has rescued and saved hundreds of fishermen, stating that one of its primary purposes since it began operations in 2021 is to be available for fishermen’s use.

To date, it has also benefited hundreds of people from Atacama, Antofagasta, and Iquique, including divers with decompression sickness, patients with radiation therapy injuries, diabetic foot, carbon monoxide poisoning, and complex wounds.

We will continue to provide updates.