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>Having read several messages related to the fundraiser for a
>decompression chamber to serve Misqito Indians, I wish to challenge
>the underlying assumption or your mission -- i.e. that a chamber will
>be of benefit to this community. Here is a synopsis of the situation
>as I understand it: Having depleted the lobster population that is in
>freediving range (no scuba, max 80-100 feet), the Misqito Indians have
>been obtained scuba equipment so that they can go deeper for the
>lobster. Not being properly trained in scuba, many contract the bends
>and are paralyed for life (or die). A chamber, it is argued, would
>help solve this problem.
A chamber is not going to "solve this problem" anymore than by-pass surgery
solves the problem of smoking. The chamber is required for medical
treatment. Withholding potentially curative medical treatment requires some
fairly heartless justifications.
One possible justification for not treating is that these people are
injuring the environment and, therefore, should not be treated because doing
so enables further environmental damage. This seems to be a very common
sentiment and it could be read into the response from jyed@um*.ed*. But,
if you're going to withhold treatment based on the patient (or their
society's) direct negative impact on the environment, it seems to me you
damn yourself, the bearing of children into a first-world culture, ad
infinitim. Ironically, this justification would seem to make the
fourth-world patient more worthy of treatment than the diving tourist on
vacation.
Another justification might be made on the basis of cost. This might even
be a reasonable justification were it not for the fact that the discussion
is about supporting an organization operating on a shoestring. This is a
group that refurbished a chamber, floated its 4000# mass through surf and 12
miles up a river, and spent 3 days moving it the last 100 yards to the
clinic. All using manual labor. Definitely not a high-budget operation.
More like no budget. The participants in these efforts have been paying
their own way. Again, minor support from lots of members of the internet
diving community would make a HUGH difference in what they can accomplish.
>My question: wouldn't it be more effective
>to help these communities develop sustainable forms of lobster
>harvesting, thereby enabling resumption of freediving? Or, if scuba
>is still preferred, why not offer workshops and training on dive
>tables and safety?
In terms of seeking a solution, I'd agree that training is critical.
Without it, the normal restraints imposed by compressed air diving are
removed and exploitation is allowed to go unchecked. I see training of
these people as both an environmental and a moral imperative. And it's my
understanding that Sub Ocean Safety has been involved in training.
>It seems to me that a chamber might offer a false
>sense of security, driving divers even deeper and longer. Also, I
A chamber *might* offer a false sense of security but I doubt it. Presuming
you're thinking of some form of enabling psychology ("I can do this because
if I get hurt, there's ..."), your concern is outstripped by the existing
situation. These divers are currently doing as many as 12 tanks a day at
depths exceeding 100'. It seems to me to be about as "enabled" as they're
going to get.
>recall reading that another chamber that was donated by SOS in
>Hunduras(?) is not working because it has no engine? How does SOS
>plan on assuring that the one for Nicaragua will operate?
Through financial support from those who choose to provide that support. If
no one chooses to provide support, I suspect the chamber in Honduras will
continue to go unused. I also suspect that the very few individuals already
trying to make a tangible difference will continue trying.
>I hope that I am not offending anyone, and please don't interpret my
>comments as criticism of your sincere desire to help. I'm just
>wondering if your approach is really going to work, or just cause more
>serious problems.
The young men of a fourth-world culture are dying and being maimed for life
in large numbers. Lobster harvesting, using divers or traps, continues at
an unsustainable rate. What more serious problem concerns you?
Rocky Daniels
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