60-year-old Diver off Molokaʻi Medevaced to Oʻahu

The Coast Guard medically evacuates a 60-year-old man experiencing symptoms of decompression sickness after a dive near the southwest side of Molokai on Thrusday, Aug. 29, 2013.  Photo courtesy: US Coast Guard.

By Wendy Osher

A 60-year-old diver was medically evacuated from the southwest side of Molokaʻi on Thursday, after reportedly experiencing symptoms of decompression sickness following a dive, Coast Guard officials said.

Molokaʻi firefighters called upon the US Coast Guard to assist with the request for immediate medical attention, officials said.

According to information released by the Coast Guard, an agency flight surgeon evaluated the symptoms, and recommended an immediate medical evacuation to the nearest decompression chamber.

An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point responded to the scene, and transported the man to the Kuakini Health Systems in Honolulu for treatment, officials said.

***Supporting information courtesy US Coast Guard.