TREATMENT

The diver arrived at the chamber on a stretcher; he was conscious and coherent with stable vital signs.

The key complaints were weakness and numbness of both lower extremities, abdominal fullness and discomfort, and moderate lumbar pains. Due to difficulty urinating, the diver had a catheter. He received six recompression treatments over six days to treat the severe symptoms.

After each of the first two treatments (US Navy Table 6, 4 hours 45 minutes each, to a depth of 18 metres), the diver advised that the pain in his lower back was bearable and the numbness was reducing. He was able to stand independently for two minutes and walk a little, but he was wobbly, weak and uncomfortable.

With the symptoms persisting, the diver underwent a further three shorter Table 5 Treatments (at 2 hours 16 minutes each, to a depth of 18 metres), followed by a Table 9 treatment (also at 2 hours 16 minutes, but to a reduced depth of approximately 14 metres) to deal with the residual symptoms.

At the end of all treatments, the diver’s catheter was removed, he had improved balance, and was better able to walk unassisted. He was advised not to fly for an additional 72 hours and was required to undergo a diving medical examination prior to returning to diving.

Unfortunately, some symptoms returned during the flight home, so the diver was sent to an emergency department shortly after arriving in Australia, where he required further treatment and investigations.