Introduction

Most problems that arise from barotrauma will require medical diagnosis or treatment. The most important thing the patient can do if they experience barotrauma is to seek medical attention and avoid future dives until cleared by a doctor.

Some injuries from barotrauma require immediate medical attention, while others can wait for treatment. In all cases, stop further diving until the patient has been seen by a doctor.

Air embolism is life threatening and requires immediate attention. Planning ahead is important.

• Ensure you know the nearest emergency facility and recompression (hyperbaric) chamber location before diving.
• Always carry emergency phone numbers while diving; a phone can be a vital lifesaving tool.
• Take shortness of breath seriously, especially during physical activity.
• Immediate attention is crucial for decompression sickness, even if symptoms don't appear as rapidly as air embolism.
• Information about recompression chambers is vital and can be obtained through the emergency medical system, such as 911 in the U.S.
• Divers with decompression sickness symptoms should seek medical attention from their doctor or a hospital's emergency department.
• Pulmonary barotrauma and lung squeeze require immediate attention in an emergency department for proper evaluation and potential treatment.
• Doctors can assess and treat ear and sinus squeezes and make referrals to specialists if needed.
• Evaluation may involve reviewing the diver's dive history.
• An examination is necessary to confirm eardrum integrity in cases of ear squeezes.
• If a diver loses consciousness, experiences paralysis, or shows stroke symptoms within 10 minutes of surfacing, seek immediate medical attention.
• In such cases, call an ambulance via 911 or local emergency phone numbers.
• Symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath after a dive may require evaluation in the emergency department.
• If symptoms are severe, call an ambulance. Otherwise, arrange for someone else to drive the patient to the hospital; do not drive yourself.
• Decompression sickness, or "the bends," may require an emergency department visit for pain management and arranging recompression services at regional barotrauma centers.
• Dizziness or pain from a squeeze may also require immediate medical attention. When in doubt, consult a doctor or the local emergency department for guidance.

Self-Care at Home

1. Face mask and suit squeezes typically resolve on their own within a few days and do not require special treatment.
2. Aerogastralgia symptoms usually subside without intervention, unless abdominal discomfort worsens and persists for several hours.
3. Pain from ear or sinus squeezes can be alleviated with over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen. Consult a doctor to rule out serious ear injuries.

Follow-up

1. Doctors will provide follow-up recommendations based on the diagnosis.
2. Ensure the condition has fully healed and the patient has received clearance before resuming diving.

Prevention

1. Prevent barotrauma through careful dive planning and preparation.
2. Ensure good health, free from upper respiratory or sinus problems.
3. Obtain proper training and always use the buddy system – never dive alone.
4. Regularly check diving equipment to ensure it's in good working condition.
5. Know local emergency phone numbers and have a means of contacting help, such as a cellular phone.
6. Be familiar with the operation of "dive computers" designed to enhance safety before relying on them.
7. Avoid flying in an airplane within 24 hours of diving to reduce the risk of unexpected decompression sickness in the lower air pressure of the airplane cabin.