Decompression sickness (DCS) and diving illnesses mimicking DCS : A case series

Abstract

Introduction: Diving is an operational commitment of navy. Diving operations are conducted with / without the presence of a Marine Medical Specialist. Incidence of Decompression amongst naval divers is low compared to recreational SCUBA diving. Decompression Sickness (DCS) and Pulmonary Overinflation Syndrome (POIS), subsets of diving-related injury related to scuba diving. If adequate decompression time is omitted, the trapped bubbles may lead to DCS. POIS is due to an overly rapid ascent to the surface resulting in the rupture of alveoli and subsequent extravasation of air bubbles into tissue planes.On rare occasions, the bubbles may traverse the cerebral circulation (CAGE), causing a potentially fatal condition. Overall, the incidence of adverse effects can be diminished with safe diving practices. Decompression Sickness (DCS): DCS is a condition in which metabolically inert gas gas bubbles that form while diving do not have adequate time to be resorbed or “off-gassed.” It never happens with pure oxygen diving and never occur while at bottom. As per grading, Type I - minor DCS, generally known as bends and Type II - severe DCS. Treatment: Treatment for DCS is followed as per guidelines promulgated in INBR 2806. Mainstay of treatment remains with Oxygen Table 61 & 62 of INBR 2806 which is same as RNBR 2806 as table 5 & 6 of US navy Diving Manual. Incidences: Incidences of DCS are reported at Diving training centre and saturation diving vessels and incidences of diving related injuries like Mask injury, hypoxia, CAGE are documented are reported at Escape Training School. Conclusion: Incidence of DCS in Navy Divers is rather very low due to proper follow of procedures, stringent trainingand fitness of divers.

Keywords

• INBR 2806
• Treatment Table 61