It’s a great day in Abaco for the Commercial Fishing Community, and Recreational Diving and Fishing Enthusiasts. The installation of the first Hyperbaric Chamber in Marsh Harbour, made possible by the generosity of an anonymous donor to Abaco Strong, will provide an invaluable life-saving service for the Northern Family Islands of the Bahamas, as well as other medical services for the general health and well-being of our residents.
A collaborative effort between a local league of partners including: Timothy McDonald and Juliette Deal of Abaco Fire & Rescue, Martha Fleury of Abaco Strong, Ken Hutton of Resurrect Abaco, Dr. Charite of Integrated Medical Center, Denise Mizell of The Perry Institute, Collette Bootle of Fine Living, and Tegwen Hunt Hastedt of Treasure Cay. Together they sourced the donation and the chamber, and shipping logistics were kindly provided by Centauri with the much appreciated support of Lynn Christ.
Following multiple tragic accidents in the last two years, the efforts to secure a Hyperbaric chamber for Abaco became a priority for the group. This allows Abaco to fully support its vibrant commercial and recreational fishing community and continue to grow its Dive Tourism businesses. The unit will be located in Marsh Harbour at Integrated Medical Center and operated by a trained technician with supervision provided by Dr. Charite’s medical practice.
Hyperbaric chambers are now utilized not only to treat decompression sickness (The Bends), but can also be used to treat several medical conditions with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy such as serious infections or wounds that may not heal because of diabetes or radiation. These emergency and non-emergency medical treatments will now be available to Abaconians without having to travel.
