Return to Diving
I am planning to return to diving after a mild case of cutaneous decompression sickness (DCS), or "skin bends." If I dive using nitrox, will that be enough to prevent recurrence of DCS?
Conservative diving is strongly recommended to avoid a repeat DCS incident. Cutaneous DCS has about a 20 percent chance of having a neurological component. The next event could be similar to this one or be significantly more severe. Diving conservatively, however, involves more than simply switching to nitrox. Consider the following recommendations:
Being conservative is a trade-off. Divers want to maximize their bottom time to get the most out of every dive, but that maximum bottom time is also maximum inert gas (nitrogen) loading. Remain well rested and hydrated, and dive with a partner who has similar goals and follows similar practices. Adding small safety margins to each step can help provide a comfortable security cushion. Dive computers are powerful tools, but sound knowledge of diving physiology, good physical conditioning and adherence to thoughtful practices offer the best protection for divers. Every diver is unique, with varying susceptibility to decompression stress. Ultimately, only you can determine how much risk you want to take.
— Frances Smith, EMT-P, DMT
© Alert Diver — Q2 Spring 2018
Conservative diving is strongly recommended to avoid a repeat DCS incident. Cutaneous DCS has about a 20 percent chance of having a neurological component. The next event could be similar to this one or be significantly more severe. Diving conservatively, however, involves more than simply switching to nitrox. Consider the following recommendations:
- Dive with nitrox, but set your computer to "air" or "21 percent." Clearly note the maximum operating depth (MOD) for the mix you're actually breathing, and never exceed that depth. Use a partial pressure of oxygen (PPO2) setting of 1.4 or lower to avoid oxygen toxicity. If you reset your computer to a nitrox setting, then your potential bottom time will be calculated as longer and defeat the purpose of minimizing gas loading. Nitrox is only safer if you shorten bottom times.
- Spend an extended period at less than 30 feet, and add long safety stops to allow offgassing prior to surfacing. Extra stop time in shallow water is an effective way to reduce decompression stress and the likelihood of bubble formation.
- Select the most conservative setting on your computer to limit bottom time.
- Use a slow ascent rate of 20 to 30 feet per minute.
- Extend your surface interval, especially after long, deep and repetitive dives.
- Avoid exercise and load lifting in post dive hours, and do not engage in intense physical training for 24 hours after diving; perform only low-intensity exercise within that period.
- While diving, minimize your exercise intensity, and avoid overheating during the deepest parts of the dive.
- Take warm showers, enjoy the pool after diving, but avoid hot showers and hot tubs.
Being conservative is a trade-off. Divers want to maximize their bottom time to get the most out of every dive, but that maximum bottom time is also maximum inert gas (nitrogen) loading. Remain well rested and hydrated, and dive with a partner who has similar goals and follows similar practices. Adding small safety margins to each step can help provide a comfortable security cushion. Dive computers are powerful tools, but sound knowledge of diving physiology, good physical conditioning and adherence to thoughtful practices offer the best protection for divers. Every diver is unique, with varying susceptibility to decompression stress. Ultimately, only you can determine how much risk you want to take.
— Frances Smith, EMT-P, DMT
© Alert Diver — Q2 Spring 2018
Posted in Alert Diver Summer Editions
Posted in DCS, Decompression Sickness, The Bends, Nitrox, MOD, Maximum operating depth
Posted in DCS, Decompression Sickness, The Bends, Nitrox, MOD, Maximum operating depth
Categories
2024
February
March
April
May
October
My name is Rosanne… DAN was there for me?My name is Pam… DAN was there for me?My name is Nadia… DAN was there for me?My name is Morgan… DAN was there for me?My name is Mark… DAN was there for me?My name is Julika… DAN was there for me?My name is James Lewis… DAN was there for me?My name is Jack… DAN was there for me?My name is Mrs. Du Toit… DAN was there for me?My name is Sean… DAN was there for me?My name is Clayton… DAN was there for me?My name is Claire… DAN was there for me?My name is Lauren… DAN was there for me?My name is Amos… DAN was there for me?My name is Kelly… DAN was there for me?Get to Know DAN Instructor: Mauro JijeGet to know DAN Instructor: JP BarnardGet to know DAN Instructor: Sinda da GraçaGet to know DAN instructor Trainer: Christo van JaarsveldGet to know DAN instructor: Gregory DriesselGet to Know DAN Instructor: Beto Vambiane
November
Get to know DAN Instructor: Dylan BowlesGet to know DAN instructor: Ryan CapazorioGet to know DAN Instructor: Tyrone LubbeGet to know DAN Instructor Trainer: Christo van JaarsveldGet to know DAN Instructor: Caitlyn MonahanSafety AngelsDiving With A PFODiving Anilao with Adam SokolskiScience Saves SharksUnderwater NavigationUnderstanding Dive Equipment Regulations
2023
January
March
Terrific Freedive ModeKaboom!....The Big Oxygen Safety IssueScuba Nudi ClothingThe Benefits of Being BaldDive into Freedive InstructionCape Marine Research and Diver DevelopmentThe Inhaca Ocean Alliance.“LIGHTS, Film, Action!”Demo DiversSpecial Forces DiverWhat Dive Computers Don\'t Know | PART 2Toughing It Out Is Dangerous
April
July
August
September
Mismatched Scuba Valves to Cylinder OutletsUnderwater Crime Scene InvestigatorsDive Boat Etiquette – From Yachts to rubber ducksTravel Smarter: Personal Safety While TravelingLiability in ContextLearning from Success. Learning from MistakeDive in the Fast Lane with DPVsKwaZulu Natal shipwrecks: The ProduceAvoid Diving With EarplugsThe Parting Shot