Decompression Sickness

Question 1

What is Henry’s Law

Answer 1

During a dive a diver’s blood and tissues absorb inert gases such as (nitrogen/helium) from the lungs due to breathing mixture in tanks and increase
partial pressure when at depth

Question 2

Which type of decompression sickness involves the skin, lymphatic system, muscles, and joints, and it is not life threatening

Answer 2

Type I Decompression Sickness

Question 3

What determines the classificaton and sx of DCS

Answer 3

Location of bubble

Question 4

Sx:
- Joint pain- commonly knees, ankle, elbow and wrist
- Skin sx- itching, marbling
- Lymph node sx- painful lymph node, and/or swelling due to blockage of lymphatic drainage system

Answer 4

DCS Type 1

Question 5

Treatment of DCS type 1

Answer 5

• Complete neuro exam to r/o AGE or DCS type 2
• 100% surface oxygen via non rebreather
• transport to nearest recompression chamber
• if transport by helicopter maintain altitude less than 1000ft

Question 6

Which type of DCS is a serious & possibly life-threatening illness. DCS Type II symptoms are
divided into three categories (Neurological, Inner Ear & Cardio Pulmonary)

Answer 6

Type 2 DCS

Question 7

Results from bubble formation within the brain and spine, and can exhibit
1) Numbness
2) Paresthesia’s
3) Muscle weakness
4) Mental status changes
5) Impaired urinary function

Answer 7

Neurological DCS

Question 8

Results from bubble formation in the endolymph/perilymph fluid within the vestibular canal and/or cochlea
1) Tinnitus
2) Hearing Loss
3) Vertigo
4) Dizziness
5) Nausea
6) Vomiting

Answer 8

Inner Ear DCS (Staggers)

Question 9

Results from intravascular bubbling/obtruction
within the pulmonary vasculature that may directly damage the vascular endothelium and activate the inflammatory cascade. This may result in complete
circulatory collapse, and death if not promptly treated. Symptoms may present
with:
1) Chest pain
2) Painful inspiration
3) Irritating Cough
4) Tachypnea
5) Lung congestion
6) Complete circulatory collapse (pulmonary edema, pulmonary HTN,
decreased cardiac output/failure)
NOTE: Careful examination for Pneumothorax should be completed.

Answer 9

Cardiopulmonary DCS (Chokes)

Question 10

Treatment of DCS Type 2

Answer 10

(a) Complete a full neurological exam to rule out AGE (Arterial gas embolism)
NOTE: Treatment for DCS TypeII and AGE are the same.
(b) 100% Surface Oxygen via non rebreather mask
(c) Transport to the nearest Recompression Chamber
NOTE: If transport by helicopter maintain an Altitude less than 1000ft.