Physiologic Factors Underlying the Prevention and Treatment of Decompression Sickness
Abstract
The object of the research was to develop a simple, comprehensive outline for the treatment of caisson disease and traumatic air embolism. Twenty-seven first class divers and six pharmacist's mates undergoing training for qualification as second class divers participated in the various tests. To test the treatment tables, divers were exposed to a one-hour work dive at 130 feet, and then one hour following decompression, recompression was applied according to the particular treatment table under study. The decompression time required to prevent bends formed the basis for the treatment tables. The following features are incorported in the final treatment procedures formulated on the basis of tests of ten individual tables. A thirty minute to two hour period at maximal pressure in order to insure relief of symptoms; the application of maximal pressure followed by prolonged recompression at the 30- foot depth when symptoms are indicative of involvement of the cardiorespiratory and central nervous system; the use of oxygen; prolonged recompression for periods of eighteen to thirty-eight hours for seripis cases; and the treatment of traumatic air embolism by the application of maximal pressure followed by the breathing of oxygen at the 60, 50, and 40 foot depths.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 26, 1945
- Accession Number
- AD0756182
Entities
People
- E. S. Brinton
- O. E. Van Der Aue
- R. Hayter
- R. J. Kellar
- W. A. White Jr.
Organizations
- United States Navy Experimental Diving Unit