DAN Medical Research
Fatality Database : Project Overview

The process of data collection starts with notification by the dive buddy, eyewitness, friend and / or family member, dive shop or dive agency. DAN often receives notification from various law enforcement and government agencies, including state and local police, sheriff and fire departments, EMS, lifeguards, marine patrol, state park offices, district attorneys, US Coast Guard and medical examiners / coroners. In addition, DAN specialists search related Internet sites and DAN subscribes to a news clipping services.

The first notification is often incomplete and inaccurate, but it triggers a process in which DAN specialists contact the family and investigative agencies and try to obtain necessary information to compile a case report. A forensic pathologist who is also trained in dive medicine reviews all information obtained on each dive fatality case.

Fatality cases may take up to a year to close. Some cases may be closed as incomplete because of limited information due to local or state regulations, family requests, or litigation. If DAN is notified that a case is in litigation, the case is closed, as the information is no longer available.

Completed cases are included in DAN's annual Report on Decompression Illness, Diving Fatalities and Project Dive Exploration, which is available online to DAN Members at no cost or may be purchased.

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