Safety: Evaluating equipment for safe use in the hyperbaric or hypobaric environment

Andrew Melnyczenko's combined military and civilian experience in Hyperbaric Medicine spans 23 years. He is the Technical and Safety Director of the Hyperbaric and Altitude Medicine Program at the Mayo Clinic. He is also a UHMS member and serves as the chair of the UHMS safety committee. Andrew’s professional interests lie in education, emergency preparedness, and advancing the practical use of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.

Prof. Dr Jacek Kot is a specialist in anesthesiology and intensive care. He is a full-time Professor in Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine at the Medical University of Gdansk, Poland, also serving as the Chief of Research and Development of the National Centre for Hyperbaric Medicine in Gdynia, Poland. The Centre has several multiplace hyperbaric chambers, a dry saturation simulator with a ‘wet pot’, and the 6-bed Intensive Care Unit within the University Hospital. Jacek Kot is the present President of the European Committee for Hyperbaric Medicine (ECHM), and from 2015 to 2018, he was the President of the European Underwater and Baromedical Society (EUBS). He has been involved in the international cooperation between European diving and hyperbaric centers (COST-B14, OXYNET, PHYPODE, DAN) and the UHMS International Web-based Education Initiative. His professional interests include mainly HBOT in deep dives, saturation decompressions, and critically ill patients, especially with severe soft tissue infections.

My name is Joslyn Massie, and I have lived with type one diabetes since 2006. Since I was diagnosed, I have used several forms of equipment including insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors. Diabetes education is a valuable part of my life, and I am excited to discuss my experience as an end-user at this event.

Hyperbaric Program Coordinator, Safety Director, CHT, AEMT

Employer Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center

Manuel Preto
CHT, DMT, ECHCO, ECHSM, RTC & DAM in DAN Europe SCUBA Instructor trainer

Manuel Preto as a degree on Sports Management from (ISMAI) Porto, Portugal.  His background includes organization and co-organization on  several sport events, in Europe: Red Bull Air Race, World and European Canoeing Championships, WRC Rally of Portugal, as well as Diving related ones.

Between 1990/200 has become Instructor trainer in several SCUBA Diving Agencies (CMAS, SSI, PADI and SDI/TDI) both on recreational and technical diving.

In 2006, he specialized hyperbaric, operations on Hospital based hyperbaric facility. In 2011 became CHT (Certified Hyperbaric Technologist) from NBDHMT (National Board od Diving and Hyperbaric Medical Technology; and 2013 and 2015 became ECHCO (European Certified Hyperbaric Chamber Operator, and ECHSM (European Certified Hyperbaric Chamber Safety Manager) from ECB (European College of Baromedicine).

He´s instructor on Hyperbaric Chamber operations and trained dozens of Operators/Attendants, and Hyperbaric Safety Managers worldwide, recognized by ECB (European College of Baromedicine).

He’s currently Vice President of EBAss (European Baromedical Association for Nurses Operators and Technicians) and affiliate of various professional agencies (UHMS, EUBS, SPUMS, HTNA)

Manuel joined DAN Europe in 2009, first as First Aid Instructor and later as Trainer and Regional Research Coordinator.

At present moment compose the Training Committee and act as Area Manager, as well as manages the training at the RCAPP (Recompression Chamber Assistance Partnership Program) and HIRA (Hazardous Identification Risk Assessment) programs for Diving centres and operators.

He lectures on several international hyperbaric and safety education programs, currently including faculties in Portugal, Spain, Malta and Middle east.

A full description of his career, activities, accomplishments, and contributions is contained in a more detailed biography which is available if required.