To prevent decompression illness, do not fly on an airplane for at least 12 hours after 2 hours of total dive time during the previous 2 days. Type I symptoms include aching of joints, most commonly the elbow and shoulder joints, mottling of the skin, itching, and rash. Type II symptoms include nausea, vomiting, headaches, fatigue, dizziness, numbness and tingling, and chest pain. Less common symptoms include coughing, difficulty urinating, loss of bowel or bladder control, blood in the stools, ringing in the ears, hearing loss, and shortness of breath. Very severe symptoms include paralysis, seizures, slurred speech, loss of vision, confusion, and coma.
Death can occur.
If the victim has nausea or is not fully conscious, place the victim on his or her side. Administer IV fluids if possible, otherwise administer sips of non-alcoholic, clear liquids as tolerated. Administer CPR if necessary. Medicine is a constantly changing science and not all therapies are clearly established. New research changes drug and treatment therapies daily.