Future synergism in diving accident management: The Singapore model

The popularity of diving as a leisure activity has been an increasing trend in recent years. With the rise of this sport inevitably comes increasing numbers and risk of diving-related injuries and demand for professional medical treatment of such injuries. Concurrently, with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) being more readily available, new applications for HBOT have been proven for the treatment of various medical conditions. In Singapore, diving and hyperbaric medicine was largely a military medicine specialty and its practice 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 officially formalized by the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two organisations. The partnership will allow both organisations to leverage 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 to develop and promote diving and hyperbaric medicine in Singapore. This synergistic approach in diving accident management will also promote and establish Singapore as a leader in the field of diving and hyperbaric medicine in the region.