Definitions
Decompression sickness is caused by release of excess nitrogen into the blood.
Objective(s)
Recognize the symptoms, causes, effects, and corrective actions for decompression sickness.
Description
- Excess nitrogen in diving gases builds up in blood and is slowly released once the diver returns to sea level
- Rapid release of excess nitrogen in the blood at altitude can cause pain in the joints
Instructional aids
Download the SCUBA Guidelines figure
Recognition
- Pain in joints during flights in pressurized on nonpressurized aircraft after SCUBA diving
Avoidance
- Avoid flying within 24 hours of a dive requiring a decompression stop
- Avoid flying above 8000 MSL within 24 hours of any dive
- Avoid flying below 8000 MSL within 12 hours of a dive not requiring a decompression stop
Real-life advice and experience
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