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| Decompression Ilness |
| DECOMPRESSION ILLNESS Decompression illness refers to both decompression sickness (DCS) and lung over expansion injury. In a dive emergency, the first aid for both DCS and lung over expansion injury is the same. Air Embolism Air embolism is the most serious of the lung over expansion injury. Compared to decompression sickness, the effect of air embolism tends to be rapid and dramatic. Air embolism often resembles a stroke, where the effect is on one side of the body. The symptoms of air embolism will improve after first aid and treatment of shock. Signs/symptoms include: -Dizziness -Confusion -Shock -Personality change -Paralysis -Sudden unconsciousness / death Decompression Sickness Decompression sickness may take between 1/2 hour to 35 hours to manifest and the symptoms are akin to paralysis, involving both sides of the body, either upper or lower. As decompression sickness takes time to develop, the symptoms requires time and aggressive treatment to improve. Signs/symptoms: -Blotchy rash -Pain in the joints and limbs -Numbness and paralysis -Blurred vision, headache and confusion -Shortness of breath, chest compression -Excessive fatigues |
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| First aid treatment for air embolism and decompression sickness is similar, termed as first aid treatment for decompression illness! |
| First Aid Treatment for Decompression Illness If the diver is not breathing, give rescue breathing and/or CPR. Administer oxygen. Lie the diver flat on the surface. If the diver is conscious, advise the diver not to sit-up during first aid and transfer to medical facility. Protect from excessive heat and cold. Treat for shock. Priorities of care are to monitor and restore airway, breathing and circulation, administer oxygen and immediately transfer to nearest medical facility. |
| The information above is provided according to my best knowledge based on published reference material. Please contact me yantiii@yahoo.com if you find any mistakes in the information. |
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