Air embolism
An air or gas embolism is a serious problem that can affect scuba divers. Read about the causes, symptoms and treatments.
The seriousness of the blockage depends on which part of the body the affected blood vessel supplies blood to and the size of the air bubble. For example, an air embolism in: the arteries to the bra
Divers should always be carefully monitored by their colleagues and supervisors so any air or gas embolism can be immediately identified and treated. Signs and symptoms of an air embolism can include
If a diver develops an air embolism, the only effective treatment is immediate recompression treatment in a special pressurised room called a hyperbaric chamber. The diver should be given 100% oxygen
The following advice can help reduce your risk of developing an air or gas embolism when diving. Limit the depth and duration of your dives. Come up to the surface slowly and always perform safety
Air embolisms alsooccur during surgery or other medical procedures, but this is rare. In hospitals and health centres, care should be taken to prevent this. For example: before injections, air shou
The seriousness of the blockage depends on which part of the body the affected blood vessel supplies blood to and the size of the air bubble. For example, an air embolism in: the arteries to the bra
Divers should always be carefully monitored by their colleagues and supervisors so any air or gas embolism can be immediately identified and treated. Signs and symptoms of an air embolism can include
If a diver develops an air embolism, the only effective treatment is immediate recompression treatment in a special pressurised room called a hyperbaric chamber. The diver should be given 100% oxygen
The following advice can help reduce your risk of developing an air or gas embolism when diving. Limit the depth and duration of your dives. Come up to the surface slowly and always perform safety
Air embolisms alsooccur during surgery or other medical procedures, but this is rare. In hospitals and health centres, care should be taken to prevent this. For example: before injections, air shou