ICHM Conference 2011 :

Dear Delegates and Exhibitors,

On behalf of the Southern African Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Association (SAUHMA) and as President of the ICHM, it gives me great pleasure to introduce you to the website of the 17th International Congress of Hyperbaric Medicine (ICHM) meeting scheduled for the 16th - 19th March 2011 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, South Africa.

Although still two years away, time goes quickly and we would like to give you every opportunity to attend!

For the 17th ICHM 2011 meeting the Conference Committee has decided to fashion the event around the present interests and pressing needs of modern diving and hyperbaric medicine. While obviously making provision for papers and posters - to encourage and support attendance of the international presenters - the following additional topics and presentations are planned for this event:

Critical reviews on the evidence base for the practice of hyperbaric medicine in key areas: e.g., Radionecrosis, Diabetes & Crush Injuries.
Identification of shortcomings of current evidence on hyperbaric therapy with interactive discussion on research design and suggestions for the study of those key areas where evidence is lacking.
Update on the absolute and relative contra-indications of HBO (e.g., the changes in approach to bleomycin and disulfiram, etc.)
Overview of essential Occupational Medical Principles and Practice as they relate to:
Diving Medical Examinations and
Hyperbaric Staff and Patient issues in Hyperbaric Centers
Update on saturation diving (to offer those with no experience the opportunity to get info from those practicing actively in this area) including a review of current occupational medical evidence (e.g., the ELTHI study and the outcome of the Long Term Effects of Diving Workshop).
Medical Director's safety responsibilities regarding staff, patients and Medical Equipment in Hyperbaric Chambers.
Practical issues surrounding Wound Care in Hyperbaric Medical Practice - e.g., managing ischemia and hypoxia through a multidisciplinary approach.
Fitness to Dive controversies and new directions.
Acrylics - the facts and the fallacies about viewports and windows in hyperbaric chambers.
Risk Assessment for Hyperbaric Facilities - bridging the international statutory and operational guidelines for the everyday practice of hyperbaric medicine
Provision will also be made for workshops and interactive sessions. A parallel session for divers is being considered.

Apart from the academic content of the conference - which will be at the highest level - there is the added attraction of seeing our beautiful country: Cape Town ranks as one of the world's most beautiful cities, and on our doorstep are a wide array of attractions. Couple this with a first class infrastructure and a superb accommodation, and we believe that a truly unique and wonderful experience awaits you and your partner.

A dynamic tour programme will be available for accompanying persons as well as some exciting pre and post tour options which will include visits to the Cape Winelands, Table Mountain, Cape Point where the two oceans meet, Shark cage diving and various breathtaking scuba diving opportunites, the spectacular Garden Route, Big Five Game Reserves and the list goes on!

The Organisers have compiled a few questions of interest and value your feedback:

If you are interested in attending as a delegate - click here
If you are interested in participating as an exhibitor - click here
If you are interested in participating as a sponsor - click here

Please visit the ICHM2011 website www.acitravel.co.za/ichm2011/ for details on the conference. Regular updates on the programme, registration and reservation details will be made available on the website at a later stage. Please consult the website for the latest information.

Should you have any conference or travel-related queries, feel free to contact our appointed Professional Conference Organiser, African Conferences and Incentives (ACI) by emailing ichm-info@acitravel.co.za or by telephone on +27 11 475 2902.

We look forward to welcoming you to the conference and to our rainbow nation which - with true warmth and hospitality - is truly a "world in one country"!

Frans J Cronje, MBChB(Pret), MSc
President ICHM