Diving medicine in Zanzibar
Zanzibar Hyperbaric Chamber
Zanzibar’s chamber service provides diving medicine and recompression treatment, led since 2010 by Dr Henrik Friis Juhl, a specialist in baromedicine.
If someone needs help now
For a serious or potentially life-threatening illness or injury, seek immediate help through local emergency services or the nearest appropriate medical facility. Contact DAN for additional diving-emergency advice after contacting emergency medical care.
Do not wait for a routine online reply when urgent assessment is needed.
A medical service for the diving community
We provide medical consultations for divers, from health questions before a trip to illness or injury after diving. For medical suitability before a course or trip, see Diving medical assessments.
Tell us what happened, when symptoms began and any advice or treatment already received.
What recompression means
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy means breathing medical oxygen in a chamber at increased pressure. Recompression with oxygen is an established treatment for decompression sickness.
A trained clinician prescribes and supervises treatment, choosing the pressure, oxygen exposure and course according to the patient’s condition.
Where chamber treatment fits
Medical assessment comes first. Symptoms after a dive do not always require recompression, and chamber treatment does not replace other urgent care.
The clinical team will advise on the appropriate care and receiving facility. Contact the team about current arrangements before travelling to the chamber.
Clinical leadership since 2010
Henrik has managed more than 250 cases of decompression illness, including severe neurological cases. He has led the chamber’s clinical work and operations since 2010, with responsibility for staff training, safety, clinical governance and emergency response.
His work includes training chamber staff and local diving professionals, and coordinating with referral and evacuation teams. Doctors, attendants and operators work together during treatment, with support from the diving community.
He also has experience in chamber relocation and commissioning, coordinating pressure-system maintenance and developing facilities.
When the situation is more complicated
ZanAid advises on complex cases, including onward care and evacuation. Tell us about existing conditions, treatment already received and any medical reports. Advice about transfer follows clinical assessment and discussion of current arrangements.
For divers and dive operators
Before a trip, know how to reach medical help and keep your operator’s emergency plan accessible. Raise health questions before diving.
For routine enquiries, explain whether you need a consultation, a planned visit or follow-up after treatment elsewhere. Have relevant diving forms and medical records ready. Our contact page lists consultation options, hours and clinic contact details.
Contact the clinical team
For routine diving enquiries and current chamber arrangements, speak to the team.