We all see scuba diving as a great recreational sport that enables us to see the vibrant coral reefs, experience the marine life and blow bubbles inside the water. Though scuba diving is a lot of fun, there are certain precautions which are essential to be taken care of in order to enjoy your dive to the fullest.
What is Decompression Sickness (DCS)?
When you go underwater due to the sudden changes in the air pressure, nitrogen bubbles starts to build up in the blood and tissues. The evident symptoms of decompression sickness includes fatigue in the muscles and joints in the lower part of the body. In order to deal with a decompression sickness attack, it is recommended to keep the diver’s body warm while lying the diver on back until the medical help is arrived.
If anyone is encountered with the DCS attack, it should be treated with the proper defined medical procedures. Untreated DCS can be subjected to causing mil to permanent damage in the joints and leg muscles.
How can you prevent DCS?
- A well-researched dive plan should be prepared for every dive site prior to diving, which should include a complete detailed analysis of the depths and duration to stay at each site. A small buffer should always be kept in order to deal with unforeseen circumstances.
- Diving should be completely avoided under the influence of alcohol or drugs. As the consumption of alcohol causes dehydration which further results in transforming nitrogen into bubbles, which can immediately cause decompression sickness.
- The time and depth should always be measured with the help of a dive computer during the dive.
- Always follow the indications on the dive computer for safety stops. Essentially, the safety stops should be made at every 10 meters.
- The ascent rate should always be monitored and maintained slow. It is important to check the depth gauge and timer in order to ensure that the ascending is being done at a recommended speed.
Understanding decompression sickness will safeguard you from this risk and help you enjoy scuba diving more.