Diving accidents

Diving accidents are comparatively rare and represent a special challenge for lay helpers and healthcare professionals. They must be treated quickly and competently as they are life-threatening and may lead to long-term health problems if treatment is initiated too late. Therefore, precise knowledge of the pathophysiology during diving and adherence to guidelines in the treatment of diving-related accidents are extremely helpful. For initial treatment, early and continuous administration of oxygen is essential in addition to the routine immediate life-saving measures. This should be followed by rapid and gentle transport to a center with the option of hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO). The use of HBO is the only causal treatment for decompression sickness and subsequent ischemia occurring after diving accidents.