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If someone needs immediate help with decompression sickness, use emergency mode.
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DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — After scuba diving or rapid altitude change, a person has joint pain, rash, weakness, confusion, or breathing trouble.
The essentials if you need to act right now.
Call dive emergency. Flat position. Oxygen if available. No flying.
What might I see? Observable signs — no diagnosis required.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Joint pain, fatigue, rash, dizziness after diving.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Serious: paralysis, confusion, chest pain, difficulty breathing.
Optional deeper explanation — not required to act.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Nitrogen bubbles form in blood and tissues after inadequate decompression.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Symptoms can appear hours after a dive.
Check the scene before you approach.
Civilian-safe actions you can take.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Call DAN or local dive emergency line and 112.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Lay flat. Administer 100% oxygen if cylinder and mask available.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Keep calm and still — exertion may worsen bubbles.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Record dive profile, depth, and time for medics.
When and how to get professional help.
Any post-dive neurological or breathing symptoms need hyperbaric evaluation.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Oxygen, positioning, and urgent transport. Do not re-dive or fly.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Call dive emergency hotline and 112. Need hyperbaric chamber.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Report dive depth, duration, and symptom onset time.
Dangerous actions, when not to attempt rescue, and common myths.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT fly in aircraft — low pressure worsens sickness.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT ignore mild joint pain after diving — can progress.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Decompression sickness only happens if you surface too fast once
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Repeated dives, dehydration, and flying after diving also cause DCS. Symptoms may be delayed.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Missing window for hyperbaric treatment.
Other scenarios in the same family.
Cold water rescue
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A person was submerged or immersed in cold water and is cold, confused, or not breathing.
Heatstroke
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A person exposed to extreme heat has hot dry skin, confusion, seizure, or unconsciousness.
Hypothermia
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A person exposed to cold is shivering, confused, clumsy, or has stopped shivering.
Lightning strike
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A person was struck by lightning or found near a strike. They may be unresponsive or have burns.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is definitive treatment.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Even mild symptoms warrant hospital assessment after diving.