DECOMPRESSION SICKNESS
AND
ARTERIAL GAS EMBOLISM

 

 

 

Decompression Sickness and Arterial Gas Embolism

Decompression Sickness (DCS) and Arterial Gas Embolism (AGE) are two of the potential hazards that confront individuals who dive occupationally or for pleasure.  The Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society is committed to helping to prevent DCS and AGE and to ensuring that divers who suffer these conditions receive the best treatment possible. The new DCS and AGE section of the UHMS website is one way that this goal is accomplished.

 

The U.S. Navy Diving Manual Recompression Therapy Guidelines

            The U.S. Navy is recognized as a world leader in the management of DCS and AGE. The section on recompression therapy from Revision 6 of the U.S. Navy Diving Manual contains the Navy’s latest recommendations for the treatment of DCS and AGE.

 

Recompression Therapy USN Diving Manual Rev 6

 

 

 

The Oriskany Dive Rescue Plan

            Providing optimal treatment for a dive accident victim from the time that he or she surfaces from their dive until they reach a recompression chamber requires careful planning and  coordination between dive boats, Coast Guard, EMS systems, and recompression facilities. Failure to have a well-developed plan in place for the management of dive accidents may result in unnecessary delays to recompression and a less favorable outcome for the stricken diver. One such plan was developed in Pensacola in 2007 to help with the management of diving accidents from the Oriskany dive site. Sunk in 212 feet of water and located 21 miles south of Pensacola, the Oriskany dive site is the largest artificial reef in the world and is extremely popular with divers from around the country. The dive accident management plan for this site and a Powerpoint presentation of the plan are now available for review.  While this plan is specific to the Pensacola area, it may serve as a template for such plans in other locations.

 

Oriskany Rescue Plan 2009 UHMS NX:
Power Point Presentation / PDF


Oriskany Dive Accident Mgt Plan 10 January 2008: Word / PDF

 

 

 

DCS and AGE Journal Watch

           

This file contains a list of recent publications that discuss the prevention and management of DCS and AGE. UHMS members CLICK HERE to request full text copies of articles in the list.

 


Journal Watch DCS & AGE: February 2010: Word / PDF

 

 


ADJUNCTIVE THERAPY GUIDELINES FOR TREATMENT OF DECOMPRESSION ILLNESS: SUMMARY

 

In addition to recompression therapy for decompression illness there are first aid and adjunctive agents, in addition to several general management principles. UHMS guidelines were developed and promulgated in the 53rd Workshop Proceedings. A summary of the guidelines is obtainable via the link. The full document with evidence and discussion can be purchased in the Publications section of this website.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SUMMARY