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    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

    1. Excess nitrogen in diving gases builds up in blood and is slowly released once the diver returns to sea level
    2. Rapid release of excess nitrogen in the blood at altitude can cause pain in the joints

    Instructional aids

    Download the SCUBA Guidelines figure

    SCUBA guidelines, flying, decompression sickness

    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

    Enter Text

    Additional resources

    Video

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