A Dive Computer Can Help Prevent Decompresion Sickness
With or without a dive computer, any diver can suffer from decompression sickness. And sometimes, the condition can be fatal. Following the dive tables, and using a good dive computer can minimize the risk. Divers can suffer decompression sickness, commonly known as the Bends, when they rise to the surface too quickly. The effects of this condition can be serious: everything from joint pain and paralysis to death.
The recent tragic death of a National Geographic diver highlights just how dangerous decompression sickness can be. The British diver, 37-year-old Carl Spencer, died while diving off the coast of Kea, a small island about 150 nautical miles southeast of Athens. Spencer never regained consciousness after being airlifted by helicopter to Athens Naval Hospital. He was eventually pronounced dead at the medical facility. This tragic example provides important lessons to less-experienced divers. Spencer was a diving veteran. At the time of his death, he was leading a 17-member National Geographic team on an expedition to film the undersea wreck of the Britannic, the sister ship of the more famous Titanic.
According to news reports, Spencer was deep under the surface when he began convulsing while filming the bow of the Britannic. Spencer then reportedly began to ascend to the surface too rapidly. He supposedly missed several decompression stops on the way. This rapid ascent, according to the reports, is what most likely killed Spencer. Before diving, all scuba divers should be aware of how decompression sickness is caused, and monitor their ascent with a dive computer.
The sickness affects divers who breathe in gas that is at a higher pressure than surface pressure. Because the pressure of surrounding water increases as divers descend, the risk of decompression sickness increased when dives dive for long periods of time or to deep levels without slowly ascending and making decompression stops. The decompression stops are important. They help eliminate inert gases- a scuba diving computer can dynamically figure these out, as well as alert you if you miss a stop.
Deaths by decompression sickness are relatively rare. In fact, most divers suffering from decompression sickness can be treated by hyperbaric oxygen therapy in recompression chambers. Those divers treated early generally have a far greater chance of seeing good outcomes from this treatment. Divers can reduce the risk of decompression sickness by avoiding long and deep dives. They should also ascend to the surface slowly. Dives that have intervals that are less than 16 hours between them increase the risk of decompression sickness. Other risk factors have more to do with personal habits. These include a diver’s weight, alcohol use and age.
Decompression sickness can be a tragic event. However, with some training, research and common sense, divers can avoid this condition. Good planning with the dive tables, as well as a dive computer, may very well save your life.
