Regional Emergency Medical Advisory Committee of New York City
Prehospital Basic Life Support Protocols
Copyright January 1996 (8/96)

434 DECOMPRESSION SICKNESS

Monitor the airway.

Administer oxygen.

Place the patient in a LEFT lateral recumbent position.

NOTE:IF POSSIBLE, OBTAIN THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:
  • RECENT DIVE HISTORY;
  • THE MAXIMUM DEPTH OF THE DIVE(S);
  • THE TOTAL TIME SPENT UNDERWATER;
  • THE MIXTURE OF COMPRESSED GASES USED.

Transport the patient and companion divers via ground transportation to the nearest appropriate hospital. (SeeAppendix H.)

Go to the top of the page Go to the Index