Overview

Objectives

  • Train qualified physicians in the field of underwater and hyperbaric medicine
  • Provide the theoretical and practical basics of underwater and hyperbaric medicine: determine indications and monitor treatments

Audience

Physician

Learning outcomes

  • Manage hyperbaric oxygen therapy and its multiple treatment indications
  • Master a high level hyperbaric facility

Programme

2 modules:

  • Module 1: Diving Medicine Physician, Level 2D ECHM
  • Module 2: Hyperbaric Medicine Physician, Level 2H ECHM

Internship
Final Exam 

Registration

Registration deadline

20 August 2024
Modules can be followed individually

Fees:

  • CAS in Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine full: CHF 3,900.-
  • Module Diving alone: CHF 2,700.-
  • Module Hyperbaric alone: CHF 2,400.-

Admission criteria

  • Federal title of doctor or deemed equivalent
  • Valid BLS
  • Experience in emergency medicine, intensive care or anaesthesia (otherwise 8 days of training)
  • Medical visit: no contraindication to diving or medical visit: of aptitude to diving

Number of participants

Max. 20

Curriculum

Period

October 2024 - September 2025

Credits

15 ECTS credits

Teaching hours

230 teaching hours

Location

Geneva University Hospitals (HUG)

Fee

2600 CHF

Planning

  • 10, 11, 12 October 2024 in class
  • 5, 6, 7 December 2024 by videoconference
  • 24, 25 January 2025 in class
  • Exam Diving Medicine Physician: 8 March 2025 in class

Description

Topics

Adaptation to pressure
Introduction to diving medicine
Ability to dive
Diving: technique and decompression
Diving accidents
Management and treatment of diving accidents
Professional diving
Practical courses (5 days)

Skills

Ensure the medical evaluation of divers and other professionals working in hyperbaric environment (aptitude, advice)
Manage diving accidents (therapeutic, monitoring, requalification, prevention)

Exam

One day in March

Speakers

Dr Pierre Louge

Location

Geneva University Hospitals (HUG)

Fee

2300 CHF

Planning

  • 20 March 2025 by videoconference
  • 21 March 2025, mandatory participation in the French National Hyperbaric Day in Lyon (France)
  • 22 March 2025, optional but recommended participation in the MedSubHyp Scientific Day à Lyon (France)
  • 15, 16, 17 May 2025 in class
  • Hyperbaric medicine written exam: 28 June 2025 (morning), online
  • Dissertation defense: 27 September 2025, in class but with the option to be by videoconference

Description

Topics

Physiological aspects of HBOT
Indications of HBOT
Incidents and contraindications of HBOT
Organization and operation of a hyperbaric system
Practical courses — registration must be done at the beginning of the first semester (8 days)

Skills

Manage hyperbaric oxygen therapy and its multiple treatment indications
Master a high level hyperbaric facility

Exam

Two days in September: Final exam and oral presentations
This module can only accept up to 20 candidates.

Speakers

Dr Rodrigue Pignel

Intervenant-es

Researchers and professors of the Universities, experts of the field at the Swiss and international level:

  • Prof. C. Balestra, Brussels, Belgium
  • Prof. J.-E. Blatteau, Toulon, France
  • Dr M. Gelsomino, Basel, Switzerland
  • Dr P. Germonpré, Brussels, Belgium

Partnerships / Collaboration

Accreditation / Recognition / Certification

These 2 levels are recognised by the European College of Baromedicine (ECB / ECHM). The candidate is responsible for obtaining the different equivalences of certificates or diplomas.

Director(s)

Prof. Thibaut DESMETTRE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva

Coordinator(s)

Dr Pierre LOUGE and Dr Rodrigue PIGNEL, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève (HUG)

Steering committee

Director

  • Prof. Thibaut DESMETTRE, Emergency Department of Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), Department of Acute Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva

Experts

  • Dr Pierre LOUGE , Deputy Physician, Hyperbaric Medicine, Emergency Department, Department of Acute Medicine, HUG
  • Dr Rodrigue PIGNEL, Deputy Physician in charge of the Hyperbaric Medicine Program, Emergency Department, Department of Acute Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals (HUG)

Members

  • Prof. Sylvain BOET, Department of Anaesthesiology, Pharmacy and Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva
  • Prof. Laszlo VUTSKITS, Department of Anaesthesiology, Pharmacy and Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva
  • Dr Jérôme STIRNEMANN, General Intern Medicine Department, Geneva University Hospitals (HUG)

Scientific committee

  • Dr Jean-Yves BERNEY, Hyperbaric Medicine, Emergency Department, Department of Acute Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals (HUG)
  • Dr Rodrigue PIGNEL, Physician in charge of the Hyperbaric Medicine Program, Emergency Department, Department of Acute Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals (HUG)
  • Dr Pierre LOUGE, Hyperbaric Medicine, Emergency Department, Department of Acute Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals (HUG)
  • Dr Benoit DESGRAZ, Cardiology Service, Cardiovascular Department HUG

Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals