Context and Definition
Context
Diving-related problems are rarely covered during medical school and specialty training and the basic science underpinning diving is often not well understood. Diving-related problems can present in many ways and their appropriate and timely management is essential for good outcomes and patient safety.
The British Sub Aqua Club (BSAC) reported 355 diving incidents in 2023, 9 of which resulted in fatalities. Injury was the most common category of incident, followed by decompression illness (DCI). There is a peak in occurrence of diving incidents between the months of May to September in the UK, when diving is generally a more popular activity.1
Definition
Decompression Illness (The Bends) is a disease of compressed gas divers, aviators, astronauts and caisson workers where gas bubbles form in tissues and/or the blood during or after a decrease in environmental pressure.2 In the United Kingdom (UK) this is most commonly seen in divers.
There are two types of decompression illness: decompression sickness (DCS) and arterial gas embolism (AGE). These will be explained in more detail further in the module.
Learning Bite
Decompression illness is a disease caused by a reduction in pressure, where gas bubbles form in the tissues or circulation causing damage. It includes both decompression sickness and arterial gas embolism.