First Aid
First aid is common for both DCS and AGS:
- Monitor the patient for responsiveness, airway, breathing and circulation, resuscitate if necessary.
- Treat for shock.
- Lay the patient on their back, or for drowsy, unconscious, or nauseated victims, on their side.
- Administer 100% oxygen as soon as possible.
- Seek immediate medical assistance, locate a hospital with hyperbaric facilities and plan for possible transport.
- Allow the patient to drink water or isotonic fluids only if responsive, stable, and not suffering from nausea or stomach pain. Administration of intravenous saline solution is preferable.
- Record details of recent dives and responses to first aid treatment and provide to the treating medical specialist. The diving details should include depth and time profiles, breathing gases used and surface intervals.
Read more about this topic: Decompression Illness
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