The Puerto Rico Department of Health and the Puerto Rican Society of Orthopedics and Traumatology (SPOT) launched a campaign to warn about the risks of diving into unknown or shallow waters, and to prevent cervical and spinal cord injuries. According to SPOT President Christopher Alcalá, between 2014 and 2020, there were 65 reported cases of trauma related to diving accidents in Puerto Rico, with 96% being cervical injuries and 42% spinal cord injuries.
The average age of the patients was 29 years, and most were men. The estimated incidence is nine cases per year.
Alcalá noted that the treatment of a high cervical injury can cost between $5 million and $6 million, while a lower spinal cord injury can cost $4 million. The campaign aims to educate people about the risks and prevent these accidents, as the cost to the healthcare system is significant.