21-38 Change A
U.S. Navy Diving Manual—Volume 5
Figure 21-5. Treatment of Arterial Gas Embolism or Decompression Sickness.
NOTES:
1.
A Diving Medical Officer shall be
consulted before committing to a
Treatment Table 4 or 7.
2.
Treatment Table 6A may be extended
if necessary at 60 and/or under 30
feet.
3.
Cardiac arrest requires Advanced
Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). For the
greatest chance of resuscitation
consultation with a Diving Medical
Officer is required as soon as possible
(see paragraph 20-2.6).
4.
Recompression chamber must be
surfaced to perform defibrillation.
5.
Assessment of patient must be made
within 20 minutes. If the stricken diver
remains pulseless after 20 minutes,
termination of resuscitation may be
considered.
6.
Additional time may be required
according to paragraph 21-5.4.5.4.
7.
Enter Treatment Table 6A at depth of
relief of significant improvement.
Diagnosis Arterial
Gas Embolism or
Decompression
Sickness
ACLS
capabilites
available
within 20 min
(Note 3)
Pulse
present?
Compress to 60
feet Commence
oxygen breathing
at 60 feet
Unchanged
or worsening
symptoms
(Note 5)
Complete Treatment
on Table 6
Compression on air
to depth of relief
or significant
improvement not
to exceed 165 fsw
Remain at
treatment depth
not to exceed
120 min. total
Decompress
on Table 4
to 60 feet
Remain at 60 ft
at least 12 hours
Note 6)
Consider use of
ACLS and Table 6
in accordance with
paragraph 20-2.6
(Note 4)
More time
needed at
depth of
relief
(Note 1)
Decompression to
60 feet not to
exceed 3 ft/min
Complete Treatment
Table 6A
(Note 2)
Complete
Table 4
(Note 1)
Decompress
on Table 7
(Note 1)
Treatment of Arterial Gas Embolism
or Decompression Sickness
Life threatening
symptoms and
more time needed
at 60 feet
(Note 1
Complete 30 min
period breathing
air or treatment gas
on Table 6A
(Note 7)
