Decompression Sickness

Decompression sickness (DCS) is one of the hazards associated with diving. Although a relatively rare event, it remains a major concern because of the potential severity of the condition. DAN’s 40-page decompression sickness booklet reviews key concepts related to decompression stress and DCS. The insights are provided to improve understanding and reduce the risk of occurrence.

This booklet includes DCS information including:

• Introduction to decompression sickness
  • The physiological mechanisms of decompression sickness
  • Predicting gas uptake and elimination
• Effective use of your dive computer
  • Important cautions
  • Basic guidelines
  • Specific tips and tricks
• Diagnosing decompression sickness
  • Signs and symptoms of decompression sickness
  • Differential diagnosis of decompression sickness
• Treating decompression sickness
  • On-the-scene first aid
  • Subsequent evaluation
  • Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
  • In-water recompression
  • Emergency resources
• Factors Contributing to Decompression Stress
  • 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
• Summary and Closing Thoughts
  • Ensure your safety