What Researchers Did
Researchers analyzed clinical records of 130 divers treated for dysbaric diving injuries in the Hyperbaric Medicine Unit of the Canary Islands University Hospital between 2008 and 2017.
What They Found
Most injuries (71%) occurred in men, and 43% of injured divers were foreigners. Type 1 decompression sickness (DCS) was diagnosed in 43% of cases and Type 2 in 52%, with only a third of those receiving on-site oxygen and oral rehydration. At discharge, 94% were asymptomatic, though one diver died and another remained quadriparetic.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian divers traveling internationally should ensure they have proper certification and adequate diving accident insurance, as only 76% of injured divers in this study had specific coverage. Prompt and appropriate first aid, including oxygen and rehydration, is critical for improving outcomes in diving emergencies.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection as it focuses on diving injuries in the Canary Islands.
Study Limitations
The study's findings are limited by its retrospective, descriptive nature and specific geographical focus, which may not be generalizable to other diving populations or regions.