What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a retrospective chart review of 166 diving fishermen treated for decompression sickness at a hyperbaric chamber in Tizimín, Mexico, from 2014 to 2016.
What They Found
In total, 233 recompression therapies were rendered to 166 diving fishermen, with an average age of 36.7 years.
84.3% had experienced at least one DCS event previously, musculoskeletal pain was the most frequently reported symptom, and three divers suffered permanent hearing loss, spinal cord injury, or a fatal outcome.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
While this study focuses on Mexican fishermen, it highlights the severe risks of decompression sickness (DCS) in occupational diving.
Canadian patients involved in commercial or recreational diving should be aware of these risks and adhere strictly to safety protocols to prevent DCS.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection, as it focuses on sea cucumber fishermen in Mexico.
Study Limitations
As a retrospective observational study, it may be limited by the available chart data and cannot establish direct causality for DCS incidents.