Assessment
Before treatment is started, the patient is throughly assessed by a doctor.
First Aid For DCI and Diving Accidents
First aid for decompression illness (DCI) or arterial gas embolism (AGE) is the same for either condition. Firstly, remember….
A AIRWAYS
B BREATHING
C CIRCULATION
D DEFIBRILLATION
- Give 100% oxygen (by means of a tight fitting mask).
- Lay the casualty down and keep them horizontal. This prevents conditions worsening with bubbles travelling to the brain. If the diver loses consciousness put the diver into the recovery position.
- Give fluids orally (aim for 1 litre an hour and no alcohol or caffeine). Only give if the casualty is able to take them unaided and ideally the fluid should be isotonic.
- Keep the patient comfortable.
- Protect against Hypothermia. Cover with blankets or thermal shields.
- Consider the buddy, are there two or more casualties?
- No in-water recompression.
- Never give Entonox to suspected DCI / AE cases.
Decompression Illness Treatment
Patients are treated using recompression. This simply means that they are placed into a chamber in which the pressure is increased and decreased to simulate a safe ascent.
Divers suffering decompression illness (DCI) are placed into a chamber which is then pressurised with air. The internal pressure is set to the equivalent of a set sea depth. The diver then breathes pure oxygen through a mask or something akin to a clear plastic helmet. Sometimes the patient might require Heliox or Nitrox gas variants. This happens for set periods of time separated by ‘airbreaks’ of between 5 and 15 minutes. A treatment usually between about 2 and 5 hours, however they may be longer dependent on the severity of the DCI.
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Divers Emergency Service
Call 07 999 292 999 for free advice and referrals to NHS-funded hyperbaric treatment for Decompression Illness (DCI) and Diving Accidents .
Based in London and Great Yarmouth we can handle calls from throughout the UK - available 24 hours a day, all years round.
The Divers Emergency Service is part of the LHM Healthcare group.
Whipps Cross Hospital,
Whipps Cross Road
LONDON E11 1RG
Visit https://www.lhmhealthcare.com for details of Medical & Hyperbaric Training Courses, information for medical professionals, and more.
Non-emergency enquiries: +44 (0)20 8539 1222
available Monday - Friday, 08:30 - 17:00
Many of the London Hyperbaric team are also experienced fellow divers. With close ties to diving clubs and different professional bodies. London Hyperbaric can offer a wide range of information and services tailored to the needs of both professional and recreational divers.
HSE and other occupational medicals; sportdiving medicals; dry dives; diving advice; and much more
Visit https://www.londonhyperbaric.com to find out more.
