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February 10, 2012
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Decompression Syndromes: The Bends (cont.)

Medical Author:
Eric Mowatt-Larssen, MD
Coauthor:
Eric Johnson, MD
Medical Editor:
Ruben Olmedo, MD
Medical Editor:
Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD
Medical Editor:
Thomas Rebbecchi, MD, FAAEM

The Bends Treatment

Self-Care at Home

Rescue the diver from the water and provide emergency care within the limits of your training.

  • Dry and rewarm the diver with blankets if hypothermic (drop in body temperature).
  • You can visit the Divers Alert Network Web site or call them in the United States at (919) 684-8111 to determine where the nearest hyperbaric chamber is located.
  • Transport the person in a supine position (horizontal, lying on their back) to an emergency care facility. If a hyperbaric chamber is available, you may coordinate to transport directly to that facility for definitive care.
  • If you must use air transport, attempt to find an air frame that can transport the diver at below 1,000 feet or pressurize the cabin to sea level pressure. Use high-flow oxygen if it is available during transport.

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Decompression Syndromes: The Bends - Experience

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Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Decompression Sickness »

Although decompression sickness (DCS), a complex resulting from changed barometric pressure, includes high-altitude–related and aerospace-related events, this article focuses on decompression associated with the sudden decrease in pressures during underwater ascent, usually occurring during free or assisted dives.

Read More on Medscape Reference »

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