Management of decompression sickness in Jordan

Abstract

This study, conducted at Princess Haya Hussein Hospital Hyperbaric Department, examined 23 cases (22 males, 1 female), diagnosed with decompression sickness (types I and II) and treated with hyperbaric therapy. The results showed 61% of dive accidents were decompression sickness type II; 26% of treated patients had residual symptoms after the first session of recompression treatment and 74% made a full recovery. There were no deaths and no complications were observed. The study concludes that decompression sickness type II is the most common type, found mainly in sports divers. Early recognition of symptoms and commencement of treatment lead to a much better outcome.