Authors: Sarah Clayton, Claire Walklett / Editors: Claire Ashford, Doug Watts, Lauren Fraser / Reviewers: Sarah Clayton, Claire Walklett / Codes: / Published: 14/06/2022 / Reviewed: 20/02/2026
Diving-related problems can present in many ways and their appropriate and timely management is essential for good outcomes and patient safety.
This module covers decompression illness, explaining the scientific principles behind its pathophysiology, identifying major risk factors for its development and exploring the critical role of oxygen in early management. It also provides an overview of other important diving-related conditions.
After this session, you will be able to:
- Define decompression illness (DCI) and its subtypes
- Understand the gas laws and basic science which underpin the pathophysiology of decompression illness
- Understand the risk factors for developing decompression illness
- Be able to take a basic diving history and examine patients with diving problems
- Understand the importance of oxygen in the early management of decompression illness
- Know who to call for further advice and facilitate further treatment
- Have an appreciation of recompression therapy
- Understand the pathophysiology, presentation and management of some other diving-related conditions.
References
- British SubAqua Club (BSAC). Annual Diving Incident Report 2024. BSAC Published 2025. [Accessed Nov 2025].
- Edmonds C, et al. Diving and subaquatic medicine. 4th ed. London: CRC Press; 2001. Chapter 10: Decompression sickness.
- Kindwall EP, Whelan HT. Hyperbaric medicine practice. 3rd ed. Flagstaff (AZ): Best Publishing Company; 2008. Chapter4, p.7189. [Accessed Nov 2025].
- NHS England. Clinical commissioning policy: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for decompression illness/gas embolism (all ages). 2018. [Accessed Nov 2025].
- Stephenson JC. Pathophysiology, treatment and aeromedical retrieval of SCUBA-related DCI. J Mil Veterans Health. 2010;17(3).
