By: Harry Barthel, CHT

HOW DOES ONE RECOGNISE IF A DIVER IS “BENT”?

It is perfectly normal that people never think an accident could occur while they are on holiday, especially in a tropical paradise such as our Riviera Maya. Decompression Illness (DCI) happens about once every 10,000 dives, so it is a very rare disease. Therefore, its symptoms are frequently not recognized or misunderstood, even by physicians. And this is the main reason why divers often are not treated properly, are treated late or not treated at all.

We are often asked how to recognize whether a diver has been hit by DCI. The answer to that is not easy; there are no “typical” signs or symptoms that allow a clear diagnosis. Here are some common symptoms, the list being by no means complete.

• Extreme and unusual fatigue.
• Severe headache.
• Blotchy skin rash
• Numbness and tingling, usually in the extremities.
• Joint and muscle pain
• Dizziness and vertigo
• Personality changes
• Paralysis

These are just the most “popular” symptoms, there literarily are hundreds more. Prof. David Elliott, one of the leading researchers in the field of diving medicine, once stated that “DCI has more symptoms than diabetes and syphilis together”. And that’s a lot! Surprisingly, over 80 percent of the divers affected dove within safe limits of their computers or dive tables. So taking a look at the diver’s profiles alone doesn’t help much either.

The basic rule in the field is: ANYTHING unusual that appears after diving and never occurred before, is to be considered Decompression Illness until proven otherwise

Please keep in mind that some of those problems can appear up to 2 – 3 days after diving, which further complicates matters. Only a physician trained in diving medicine can decide whether the diver’s problems may be DCI related or may be something different. Sometimes even the diving doctor can not be 100% sure. That’s why the initial diagnosis is always “Suspected DCI”. For this reason, most diving physicians will suggest at least one prophylactic treatment in the hyperbaric chamber. This is the only way to be sure; actually, the first chamber session is an integral part of the diagnosis itself. If the diver feels better when breathing Oxygen under pressure, then he/she suffers from DCI. If there is no change, then something else is causing the symptoms.

picture: students of one of our in house training programs. Left to right Harry Barthel, BMM PLY; Alfredo Ayala, Altournative; Karin Buecheler, Protec; and Brigitte Buergin, ex Yucatec now in Egypt.

The bottom line is: It is extremely difficult to determine whether a diver suffers from DCI, so don’t even attempt to make that decision in the field. Should someone develop any type of problems after diving, place the diver on oxygen for as long as supply lasts (Emergency Oxygen Kits should be on every dive boat and in every dive shop), give fluids (water, juices) and bring the diver to your nearest Hyperbaric Facility ASAP for further instructions, an evaluation and possible treatment through a trained diving physician.

Thanks to the continuous financial support of our affiliated dive operators, Buceo Medico Mexicano (BMM) Playa del Carmen, your local Hyperbaric Chamber, is able to keep an ongoing commitment to diving safety.

Treating divers that have suffered from Decompression Illness (DCI), or “The Bends”, is only part of our job here at BMM Playa; providing information about prevention, recognition and proper reaction to diving accidents is almost as important to us.

Dive Safety Education is very high on our agenda, with lectures and seminars being held at regular intervals. These lectures are free of charge to our affiliated dive shops and their customers.

BMM Dive Clinic and Hyperbaric Chamber is located on 10 Avenue and Calle 28, right next to “Cable Mas” offices.

For any enquiries or emergencies call: Playa: 984 873 1755 (24hrs).

Other Chambers on Yucatan Peninsula:

Cancun: 998 887 1688 (24hrs)

Cozumel: 987 872 1430 (24hrs)

Merida: 999 948 3441 (24hrs)

Belize: 00501 226 2851 (24hrs)

You’ll find more info and safe dive destinations at: http://www.sssnetwork.com/.

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