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.