Decompression Chambers and How to Avoid ThemDecompression chambers won't prevent injuries, but they certainly will cure most of them. What are Decompression Chambers?Decompression chambers (also known as hyperbaric chambers and recompression chambers) are basically giant airtight tubes big enough to hold one to three people (though larger ones do exist).These chambers are capable of recreating the pressure experienced at up to several hundred feet saltwater in some cases. In addition, they are usually capable of delivering various concentrations of oxygen to the patient to help their body expel gases such as nitrogen more rapidly. How does a Decompression Chamber Work?These treatments are generally used to treat disorders such as decompression sickness and arterial gas embolism.Both of these conditions are caused by tiny bubbles in the blood stream. If left unchecked, these bubbles can cause irreparable damage and even death. By exposing the affected diver to high pressure in decompression chambers, the doctors can compress these bubbles to a point where they can be reabsorbed by the body. Once the bubbles are reabsorbed, medical professionals can release the pressure in the chamber at a slow enough rate to allow the body to expel the gases naturally. It’s important that you know where the closest decompression chamber is in relation to your diving destination. You don’t want to end up doing 8 days of back-to-back two-tank dives and find out that the nearest hyperbaric chamber is 150 miles (240 kilometers) away. In the event of an accident you may not get there in time. Fortunately most dive operators will be able to tell you exactly where the closest hyperbaric chamber is and explain how they handle an emergency situation should one arise. If for some reason the dive operator doesn’t know where the closest chamber is, you can always call the Divers Alert Network (DAN). The Divers Alert Network is a non-profit dive safety association that provides research and emergency medical advice to the dive community. If you’re not a member, check it out. Their help is available worldwide and it’s well worth the modest cost. Of course, it’s better to never need a chamber in the first place. Prevention is better than cure!The best way to prevent a trip to the hyperbaric chamber is to plan your dives.Make sure you adhere to your maximum depths and schedule appropriate surface intervals. In addition, make sure you ascend slowly in the water column when your dive’s over and that you always observer a 5 minute safety stop at 15 to 20 feet (5 meters). The best way to avoid a trip to the decompression chamber is to plan your dives, I know, I know I have already said that but it is important. Make sure you always know where the closest decompression chamber is and how you’re going to get there in case of an emergency. For more information on other diving injuries have a look here. Return to Underwater Diving Equipment Home Page.
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