Decompression Sickness

Decompression sickness (DCS) is an unwanted outcome of diving. Measures to mitigate the risk of DCS have to be a part of every dive. This booklet provides updated concepts of causes and mechanisms, typical manifestations, standard management and prevention of DCS.

In this book, you’ll learn about:

• Chapter 1 – Introduction to Decompression Sickness
  • The Physiological Mechanisms of DCS
  • Predicting Gas Uptake and Elimination
• Chapter 2 – Effective Use of Your Dive Computer
  • Important Cautions
  • Basic Guidelines
  • Specific Tips and Tricks
• Chapter 3 – Diagnosing Decompression Sickness
  • Signs and Symptoms of DCS
  • Differential Diagnosis of DCS
• Chapter 4 – Treating Decompression Sickness
  • On-the-Scene First Aid
  • Subsequent Evaluation
  • Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
  • In-Water Recompression
  • Emergency Resources
• Chapter 5 – Factors Contributing to Decompression Sickness
  • Workload
  • Thermal Stress
  • Optimal Practices
  • Postdive Air Travel
  • Medical and Physical Fitness
  • State of Hydration
  • Breathing Gas Mixture
  • Carbon Dioxide Level
  • Patent Foramen Ovale
  • Additional Factors
• Chapter 6 – Summary and Closing Thoughts
• References

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Credits:

Managing Editor: Petar Denoble, MD, DSc
Author: Neal Pollock, PhD