Diving Emergencies Flashcards
Boyles law
PV=K
Pressure and volume are inversely proportional
Dalton’s law
Total pressure of gas mixture is the sum of partial pressures of its components
Henry’s law
Pressure of the gas and liquid is proportional to its pressure in the atmosphere
Barotrauma can cause what
Ear squeeze
Sinus squeeze
Lung trauma (pulmonary overpressure)
Arterial air embolism
What is ear squeeze
Pressure does not equalize in middle ear three eustachian tube
Potential eardrum rupture
Water enters middle ear causing vertigo
What is sinus squeeze
Pressure does not equalize in frontal or maxillary sinus
Severe pain
What is long trauma
POPS pulmonary overpressure syndrome
Compressed air in lungs expands
Lung tissue ruptures causing pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, sub Q emphysema, or arterial air embolism
Signs and symptoms of lung trauma
Respiratory distress
Substernal chest pain
Diminished breath sounds
Treatment of lung trauma
Rest
O2
Treat pneumothorax
Pathophysiology of arterial air embolism
Lung tissue tears and air enters pulmonary circulation
Air enters left ventricle and is pumped to systemic circulation
Air bubbles clog cerebral circulation
Signs and symptoms of arterial air embolism
Rapid onset of the following: AMS Hemiplegia Unequal pupils Cardiopulmonary failure Vertigo Visual disturbances
Management of arterial air embolism
ABC's 100% oxygen Left lateral recumbent 30 degree head down IV NS Transport to decompression chamber Steroids
What is decompression sickness
Diver breeze compressed hair
Nitrogen dissolves in blood
Diver surfaces too quickly to allow nitrogen to escape from blood
Nitrogen bubbles form in tissue and small blood vessels
Occludes circulation and small vessels
Signs and Symptoms of cutaneous Bends
Itching
Mottled rash
Signs and symptoms of musculoskeletal bends
Dull aching muscles or joints
Movement worsens with pain
Fatigue
Inflating BP cuff over area relieves pain
