What Researchers Did
Researchers used a hyperbaric chamber to simulate dives at 12,000 feet altitude for ten divers, then monitored them for two hours to see how gas bubbles formed in their blood.
What They Found
No divers showed symptoms of decompression sickness (DCS) during or two hours after the dive. While there was variation in venous gas emboli (VGE) grades, most dives (11 out of 20) resulted in no bubbles (Grade 0), with others showing Grade 1 (3 dives), Grade 2 (1 dive), Grade 3 (4 dives), and Grade 4 (1 dive). Using the Cross correction method for a 66-fsw dive at 12,000 feet of altitude resulted in low decompression stress and no cases of DCS.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
This research helps understand decompression safety for divers, especially those who might dive at high altitudes or travel to such locations. The findings suggest that using the Cross correction method for altitude dives can effectively reduce the risk of decompression sickness, potentially informing safer diving practices for Canadian divers.
Canadian Relevance
This study covers decompression sickness, a Health Canada-recognized indication for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Study Limitations
The study involved a small group of ten divers and simulated conditions, which may limit how broadly the findings can be applied to all diving situations.