This article needs cleanup. Please edit this article to conform to a higher standard of article quality.
Decompression illness (DCI) is any of the diving disorders caused by the presence of bubbles of gas in the diver's body. These bubbles may be caused by:
Gas embolism caused by breaks in the tissues surrounding body cavities due to high pressure gas. This is an example of barotrauma. The most common cause of gas embolisms is holding the breath during ascent, or the trapping of gas in the lungs and airways due to diseases such as asthma or the common cold.
Monitoring the victim for responsiveness, airway, breathing and circulation, to resucitate if necessary. The victim should be laid on his or her back or (for drowsy, unconscious, or nauseated victims) on their side.
Details of recent dives and responses to first aid treatment should be recorded and provided to the treating medical specialist. The diving details should include depth and time profiles, breathing gases used and surface intervals.
The victim may be allowed to drink water or isotonic fluids only if they are responsive, stable, and not suffering from nausea or stomach pain. Administration of saline via intravenous drip is preferable.
Reference
Diving First Aid Manual, John Lippmann and Stan Bugg, DAN SEAP Membership Edition
Decompression sickness, (DCS), diver's disease, the bends, or caisson disease is the name given to a variety of symptoms suffered by a person exposed to a reduction in the pressure surrounding their body.
Decompression tables and dive computers have been developed that help the diver choose depth and duration of decompression stops for a particular dive profile at depth.
Decompression time can be significantly shortened by breathing nitrox (or pure oxygen if in very shallow water), during the decompression phase of the dive.
Feeds |
Contact