Diving Emergencies Flashcards
Boyle’s law
At a contant temperature, the volume of a gas is inversely proportional to the pressure exerted upon it. i.e. if a pressure is increased (diving), the volume of gas occupying a space is decreased.
Dalton’s law
The total pressure exerted by a mixture of gases is equal to the sum of the partial pressures of the constituent gases.
Henry’s law
At a constant temperature the amount of gas that will dissolve in a liquid is proportional to the partial pressure of the gas in contact with the liquid. i.e. a sealed bottle with dissolved CO2 is opened the
↓ pressure of the gas allows its volume to ↑ and the gas to escape as it bubbles
Decompression sickness (DCS)
Symptoms that occur when metabolically inert gases dissolved in body tissues under pressure, dissolve out of a solution when pressure is combed, forming bubbles.
Arterial gas embolism (AGE)
When blood flow is blocked distal to gas bubbles, AGE results from air bubbles entering the pulmonary venous circulation from ruptured alveoli.
Decompression illness (DCI)
Term used to describe decompression sickness and arterial gas embolism.
Barotrauma
When changes to ambient pressure cause the expansion or contraction of gas within enclosed body cavity, distorting and treating adjacent tissues.
* can result from 2 different mechanisms: compression of gases within body spaces during descent or
expansion of gases within those spaces during ascent
* can affect any gas filled space in the body i.e. sinuses, inner and middle ears and even teeth
DCI - Signs & symptoms
More gradual onset, usually post dive. Consider this for any Pt developing symptoms within 0 - 36hr of diving
- Pt may present with; generalised aches, headache, SOB, rash, joint pain, paresthesia, paralysis, seizures, unconscious
- Tension pneumothorax (from barotrauma
Diving emergency Management
- Assess respiratory status
- Check for penomothorax
- GCS
- Keep pt flat
- Fluid resus: NaCl 1000ml, then medical consult
- Avoid high altitudes
- Analgesia
