07/08/2025
In Memoriam: Kevan Corson, CHT
Dedicated Leader, Educator, and Advocate for Hyperbaric Safety
It is with deep sadness and profound respect that we honor the life and legacy of Kevan Corson, CHT, a long-standing pillar of the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) Safety Committee and a tireless advocate for hyperbaric medicine and safety worldwide.
Kevan’s career was marked by unwavering dedication, innovation, and service. A retired U.S. Army Special Forces medic, he brought a unique blend of tactical precision and scientific rigor to every endeavor. As a research scientist at the Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, Kevan led the CORE Lab within the Department of Cellular & Structural Biology and contributed extensively to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, teaching senior fellows the art of microscopic suturing—a testament to his skill and commitment to education.
His journey in clinical hyperbaric medicine began at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston under the mentorship of Dr. Jon Mader. There, Kevan co-authored three book chapters and fourteen peer-reviewed papers and abstracts, establishing himself as a respected voice in the field. Over a career that spanned more than three decades, Kevan made indelible contributions to hyperbaric oxygen therapy, receiving numerous accolades including the prestigious Paul C. Baker Award in 2004 for his outstanding service to the hyperbaric community, and the Oceaneering International Award.
As a longtime UHMS HBO2 Safety Committee member in good standing, Kevan served the UHMS with distinction for over 20 years, shaping national and international safety standards. He was also a dedicated member of the National Board of Diving and Hyperbaric Medical Technology for over 18 years, served on the Association of Diving Contractors International Saturation Safety Committee, a trusted contributor to the ASME PVHO Task Group on Tunneling, and a board member for CAL OSHA Appeals for compressed air tunneling.
Beyond the academic and regulatory spheres, Kevan made a tangible impact on the field. As Hyperbaric Operations Manager for the Blue Plains Tunneling Project, he brought critical hyperbaric safety expertise to some of the nation’s most complex tunneling operations. Throughout his career, he trained more than 2,000 healthcare professionals in hyperbaric medicine, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and a generation of safety-conscious practitioners.
Kevan Corson was more than his many titles and achievements. He was a mentor, a leader, a colleague, a friend and above all the finest human being. His legacy will endure through the lives he touched, the standards he elevated, and the countless individuals who continue to work more safely because of his tireless advocacy.
On behalf of the UHMS Safety Committee and the entire hyperbaric medicine community, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. We are forever grateful for his service, and we honor the enduring impact he has had on our field.
Rest in peace, Kevan. Your mission continues through us.
Respectfully,
The UHMS Hyperbaric Oxygen Safety Committee
