Diving decompression illness — DipIMC MCQ

Correct answer: A — Give high-flow oxygen and contact diving medical advice for hyperbaric pathway

Give high-flow oxygen and contact diving medical advice for hyperbaric pathway is the best answer because decompression illness is treated with oxygen and specialist diving or hyperbaric advice. Remain on scene until observations normalise is less appropriate because normalising observations at scene can delay definitive treatment; Transport to the nearest hospital without pre-alert is less appropriate because unstructured destination choice can delay trauma-team activation. Transport to the nearest minor injury unit and Delay transport for full wound cleaning are also suboptimal because they move attention away from the key pre-hospital priority.. The key DipIMC principle is to treat immediate reversible threats, communicate clearly and move the patient toward the right definitive care.

Reference: JRCALC Guidelines; UK Diving Medical Committee guidance