Therapy
The availability of pressure chambers for the therapy constitutes a major problem.Because of this, administering O2 under normal pressure as a first step has been established as a compromise for an instant treatment. Similarly to increased pressure, oxygen produces an accelerated dissolving of the gas bubbles by nitrogen wash-out. The improved supply of O2 under pressure and the initial mechanical reduction of the gas bubbles are not achieved, however. While this has already been suggested several decades ago and was theoretically and practically proved, only the massive involvement of the Divers Alert Network (DAN) has achieved a more or less complete global blanket coverage. Thanks to this initial treatment, the risk of permanent damage has substantially decreased - and the instant treatment leads to complete restitution in some cases. In spite of this, the transport to the pressure chamber after the introduction of the normo-bar O2 therapy remains obligatory, as it is necessary for a definite treatment of major breakdowns and as a final prognosis of seemingly harmless initial symptoms will in many cases need days or weeks.
Flying after Diving
The specific combination of diving depth and ground time is crucial for the necessary period for the de-gassing of the body fabric. Diving several times a day over a period of several days in succession leads to a disadvantageous accumulation of nitrogen in the body, which may effect problems in case of a subsequent flight.In modern aircraft, there is a minimum cabin pressure of 0.75 bar, which corresponds to a height of about 2500m above NN. This additional decrease in pressure may now lead to decompression complaints.To exclude any risk, 24 hours should pass between the last dive and the flight. With dives requiring decompression or with multiple exposures, several days up to 48 hours should pass.