The risk of Decompression sickness (DCS) is something that we face on every dive and whilst we can all take steps to minimize these risks, it is highly important that we know how to react to a possible incident. DAN offer some excellent advice on how to deal with a casualty and safer diving at www.daneurope.org.

Rest and hydration together with a full dive plan in accordance with your current level of training can help to minimize risks but in the event that something does go wrong then the common symptons include :

Joint pain, numbness, weakness and tingling in the extremities, loss of sense of balance , skin rash, visual disturbances, nausea and undue fatigue. If a diver exhibits any of these symptons then consult with the DDRC on 01752 209999 or the London Diving Chamber on 07940 353 816.

If you suspect that a diver has DCS then it is essential to seek medical help. It is crucial that hyperbaric treatment is arranged quickly- ideally within an hour for conscious patients and less than a quarter of an hour for unconscious patients. If the patient is conscious and can swallow without difficulty then administer water to aid rehydration.

100% oxygen should be administered without any breaks (other than for fluids and such breaks should be kept to a minimum) and maintained. Avoid the patient breathing air unless there is no other choice.

Keep the casualty lying down

Give them 100% oxygen via a tight fitting mask

Give them fluids - non alcoholic and non caffeine

Keep the patient comfortable

Dial 999 or 112 on any public phone or mobile within the Uk and ask for the Ambulance Service confirming that it is DIVER emergency- be sure than you know the exact location, the divers personal details, the GAS the diver was using and the nature of the divers injuries and profile if possible.

On board a vessel then ask the skipper/cox to call on channel 16 - PAN PAN PAN Diver emergency. The coat guard will then be able to advise on air lifts and procedures. Again the more details your able to provide the better- personal details for the diver, GAS used and profile for this and nay previous dives all helps the patient receive the best possible treatment.

Hyperbaric treatment can be arranged via DAN for its membership on 0039 06 4211 8685 or in the UK on 0870 871 9999- 24hours a day, 7 days a week.

I strongly recommend that divers undertake courses involving 02 administration and basic first aid and that they have access to these telephone numbers when diving from shore or at sea.