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SCUBA Diving Injuries: Decompression Sickness and Arterial Gas Embolism, Sports Medicine

Joseph E. Allen, MD, MS, FAAFP, CAQSM Reviewed 04/2019
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Decompression sickness and arterial gas embolism are adverse medical conditions, which may manifest in the self-contained underwater breathing apparatus environment, due to sudden ch...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Determine time of onset of symptoms and any change in type or severity of symptoms.

  • Obtain an independent account from a dive buddy or dive instructor, particularly if altered consciou...

TREATMENT

  • To locate the nearest hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) resources, access the DAN emergency hotline (+1-919-684-9111).

  • DCS type I: Mild cases of DCS type I may be treated by breathing 100% oxy...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Patients may be discharged home if minor cutaneous symptoms are present and the patient responded to conservative therapy administered in the emergency department...

REFERENCES

1
Pollock NW, Buteau D. Updates in decompression illness. Emerg Med Clin North Am.  2017;35(2):301–319.
2
Klapa S, Meyne J, Kähler W, et al. Decompression illness with hypovolemic shock a...

ADDITIONAL READING

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • DCS and AGE occur when compressed dissolved nitrogen gas reexpands into tissues and circulation as a result of rapid ascent from underwater depth.

  • DCS should lead the differential diagn...

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