Decompression Illness Quiz

Question 1

What is decompression illness?

Answer 1

Decompression illness (barotrauma) refers to injuries caused by rapid changes in pressure around you, of either air or water

Question 2

What is boyles law?

Answer 2

As pressure increases, gas volume decreases

Question 3

What is henry’s law?

Answer 3

The greater the pressure, the higher the concentration of gas (that is absorbed into the body)

Question 4

What happens to the scuba diver underwater?

Answer 4

• the deeper the dive, the higher the pressure
• nitrogen diffuses into tissues
• normally - when ascending slowly, nitrogen diffuses back into the blood stream
• if too fast - nitrogen is trapped in the tissues/joints
• the trapped nitrogen is gaseous (henrys law)
• the volume expands (boyles law)
• = unwell patient (any body part that contains air, can be affected by pressure changes - lungs and circualtory system)

Question 5

What could be wrong with the scuba diver (that ascends too quickly)>

Answer 5

CAGE
- cerebral artery gas embolism (any temporary or permanent loss of neurological function)

Question 6

How do you manage a patient with suspected CAGE?

Answer 6

• gently!
• Supine position (bubbles travel up)
• high flow O2 - NRM 15L
• Consider tension pneumothorax (treat if fits guideline)
• Manage symptoms (nausea, pain, seizures, rewarm slowly, IV fluids 1000ml - 15-20 mins every 4 hours
• Transport the Alfred or Royal Adelaide Hospital/Sydney (preferrably HEMS)

Question 7

How long can someone present with symptoms post dive?

Answer 7

Greater than 12 hours