Successful diagnosis of decompression illness and rapid deployment of hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be the difference between life and death

Successful diagnosis of decompression illness and rapid deployment of hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be the difference between life and death, and although fatalities are nowadays a rarity, it still does unfortunately happen. It is a rarity where professional diving teams and teams using underwater exploration devices such as mini submarines and bathyscaphes, primarily because they are all well trained professionals, understand the dangers and risks involved and are constantly vigilant for themselves and of course the other members of their teams.

In most cases where divers and other professionals are working underwater and at depth there is a decompression chamber within easy travel distance or, if the work is being carried out a distance form a shore side facility there will be a facility on board the oil rig, platform or other vessel around which the work is centred. The danger is inherent for all divers and it is an issue for leisure divers; wherever and whenever anyone is diving and regardless of their skill levels them and their associates or colleagues should have at least basic training about the dangers of decompression sickness and where hyperbaric oxygen therapyfacilities and expertise is located.

For any individual suffering an attack of the bends time is of the essence; rapid admission to a decompression facility reduces the risk of any permanent damage being caused to soft tissue and of course vital organs. Signs and symptoms of decompression illness vary from one individual to another and the degree in which they suffer and some symptoms can be misdiagnosed especially if the medical professional is not familiar with the issues and also the history of the patient.

The degree to which an individual suffers from any symptom and/or multiple symptoms of the bends is pretty much down to their own individual physiology; however, it is not uncommon for symptoms such as nausea, dizziness and inability to balance, vomiting, joint pain and blotchy skin to manifest. These are typically common symptoms but again, it is down to the individual and their level of fitness, physiology and if they have any other underlying health issues.

If there is the slightest doubt and the individual has been subject to diving and/or working underwater, has undergone invasive surgery or has been working in any conditions where the air has been pressurised, it is essential to seek professional medical attention and assistance immediately.

Any suspicion of decompression illness should be treated with extreme urgency before it is allowed to escalate; rapid hyperbaric oxygen therapycan be the difference between, quite literally, life and death. For more in depth information about decompression illness, the signs and symptoms and where to obtain professional treatment can be found at the website of the Divers Emergency Service, the address of which is http://www.londonhyperbaric.com