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Acute decompression illness is when the nitrogen in the body expands when the ambient pressure drops quickly. This presents itself as pain in the joints after the dive. There may even be loss of motor or sensory functions. When this happened the diver has had a cerebral arterial gas embolism which is when the bubbles got trapped in the brain and prevents blood flow to a certain area. All divers must be aware of the symptoms of DCI and must be on the lookout for them after every dive especially when decompression stops have been missed due to emergency ascents etc. Some of the symptoms are the appearance of ‘orange peel skin after the dive, chest pain, skin rashes or itching, ringing in the ears and even unconsciousness.

A person suspected of having bends MUST be given 100% oxygen immediately and then assessed by a trained individual and if necessary be transported to a decompression chamber. An acute decompression illness report form must be filled in, giving all the details.

Primary treatment of a DCI patient include giving 100% oxygen and keeping the patient still and relaxed. The intake of oral fluids must also be encouraged but only to conscious divers. If the heart stops or breathing stops immediately start giving CPR with the rescuer each time taking a breath of pure oxygen before mouth-to-mouth exhalation.

Prevention of DCI is the best way of avoiding it. This can be done by strictly adhering to dive tables or computers and by never doing dives requiring decompression stops. Always do a safety stop at 5m for 3 minutes and ascent slowly after each dive. Also take care to be properly hydrated as this will decrease your risk further.

Do not risk your life by being macho and claiming that you are not bent. This stupid egotistical behavior has wrecked many peoples lives.