Diving medicine

For a suspected serious diving injury, contact local emergency medical services first, then DAN for additional diving medical assistance. Do not wait for a routine appointment or an email reply.

Medical professionals should arrange assessment and the receiving facility. Travelling unannounced to a chamber can delay care.

We assess concerns related to pressure, breathing gases and immersion, including ear and sinus problems or changes in hearing or balance. Tell us if symptoms began during or after a dive, even if the connection is uncertain.

Decompression illness includes decompression sickness and arterial gas embolism. An apparently uneventful dive does not rule it out.

Recompression with hyperbaric oxygen is an established treatment for decompression sickness. A clinician must decide whether it is needed, where treatment should take place and how to transfer the patient. Confirm chamber availability before travelling.

Bring your dive computer or log if available. Do not delay urgent care to gather records.

• Dive times, depths, breathing gases and surface intervals.
• When symptoms began and how they changed.
• Treatment or first aid already given.
• Medical conditions, medicines and previous diving injuries.

After illness or injury, a medical review may be needed before diving again. Bring treatment reports and explain your planned activity. For pre-trip questions, see Diving medical assessments.