ACTION IN THE EVENT OF SYMPTOMS OF DCS BEING PRESENTED FOLLOWING A DIVE IN THE LAST 12 -24 HOURS.

In the event that you suspect you may be affected by DCS, seek medical advice immediately. Prompt action can often prevent long term injury or illness. Even the slightest symptoms should not be ignored.

Always assume that your condition is due to DCS until proven otherwise by a medical expert.

If you are attending A&E, take your dive buddy with you and if possible your dive computer. Information about your dive profile will be valuable to the diving doctor in determining any injury and subsequent treatment.

ACTION IN THE EVENT OF DCS SYMPTOMS BEING PRESENTED AT THE SURFACE FOLLOWING A DIVE OR WHILST ON BOARD A BOAT AT SEA.

Contact the coastguard or life boat. Inform them of the condition of the diver and any information relating to the dive. Depending on the situation, the life boat will be launched, or the diver should be delivered to the nearest harbour for collection by an ambulance.

Administer 100% oxygen for as long as supplies on board last. Liquids may be given, in the form of water or fruit juice. Do not administer pain killing drugs of any kind.

The above actions should be considered in the event of a diver missing decompression stops, or following rapid ascents, even if symptoms are not presented immediately.

For further information on the diagnosis and treatment of DCS please see the FAQ section of this site.