What Researchers Did
Researchers used a mixed-methods study in the Yucatan region of Mexico to assess risk perceptions of small-scale fishers and hyperbaric personnel regarding hookah diving, a fishing method that uses surface-supplied air and carries risk of CO poisoning and decompression illness.
What They Found
The study found significant gaps in risk awareness among fishers regarding both CO poisoning and decompression sickness from hookah diving. Accidents were occurring in the spiny lobster and sea cucumber fisheries, with disabilities and deaths affecting households and communities.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Although the study is based in Mexico, the risks of hookah and surface-supplied diving apply to Indigenous and commercial fishers in Canadian coastal communities. CO poisoning and decompression sickness are both OHIP-covered HBOT indications in Ontario, and improving diver safety education in Canadian fisheries could reduce preventable tragedies.
Canadian Relevance
CO poisoning and decompression sickness are OHIP-covered indications for HBOT in Ontario.
Study Limitations
This study is from Mexico and may not reflect risk perceptions or fishing practices in Canadian fisheries; cultural, equipment, and regulatory contexts differ.