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Decompression illness — DIPIMC MCQ

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HardEnvironmental MedicineDecompression illnessDIPIMCDipIMC

A recreational diver made a rapid ascent and now has joint pain, paraesthesiae and breathlessness. He lives near the coast, and a helicopter is available.

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Correct answer: B — Give high-flow oxygen, keep the diver horizontal and arrange transfer to a recompression facility, avoiding high-altitude flight.

Decompression illness is treated with high-flow oxygen and urgent referral to a hyperbaric recompression facility, keeping the patient horizontal and avoiding high-altitude transfer that would expand the bubbles. In-water recompression by untrained divers is hazardous. Oxygen accelerates inert gas washout and is the key pre-hospital treatment.

Reference: JRCALC Clinical Guidelines