ROTORUA, New Zealand (3 Dec 2005) -- A Hamilton dive trainee is in Waikato Hospital after suffering from a suspected case of the bends at Lake Rotoma. The 18-year-old was training with a group of divers at Otangiwai Point, around 30km northeast of Rotorua at around 12.30pm yesterday when he got into difficulties, Rotorua based Tenon Rescue Helicopter pilot Barry Vincent said. "He was brought to the surface and CPR started." The teenager was treated by St John Ambulance paramedics and was suspected to be suffering from decompression illness (known as the bends). State Highway 30 was closed for 20 minutes to allow the rescue helicopter to land and take off. | | Because of the suspected illness the teenager had to be flown to Waikato Hospital at a lower level than normal and was taken to Hamilton via the coast to Tauranga and through the Waihi Gap, said Mr Vincent. Altitude can worsen the condition. The patient was admitted to Waikato Hospital where his condition is listed as comfortable. A 26-year-old Rotorua man suffered from 'the bends' while diving in Lake Rotoma in November, 2003. SOURCE - Stuff |
