Recompression chamber: safer diving in Tenerife.

Two of the three recompression chambers of the Canaries are located in Tenerife. They are inside the University Hospital of Laguna, close to Santa Cruz, the capital.

The first recompression chamber was manufactured by Nemrod in 1983. With only two beds and not an easy entrance, it does not allow for effective medical help to the patients with decompression illness.

Doctor Pablo Puerto, in charge of the hyperbaric service.

The second one, inaugurated in 2008 is one of the most modern recompression chambers. Of a great versatility with 10 seats, it is used by any kind of patients in need of oxygen hyperbaric treatment.

Although the majority of the diving insurances, and especially the DAN (Divers Alert Network), cover the expenses related to the use of this recompression chamber in the event of decompression sickness, the Canarian Government has asked the dive centres to own a certificate allowing them use of hyperbaric services from these recompression chambers. The “contribution” for this so-called certificate is 1500euros for the season 2008 - 2009. Additional costs that some Canarian dive centres do not hesitate to share with their guests.

In case of an emergency, call 112.
University Hospital of la Laguna phone number: 922 678 000
Recompression chamber of la Laguna phone number: 922 678 463