SAFETY continued
may increase the risk of DCS due to the reduced atmos- pheric pressure at these higher elevations, causing the dis- solved nitrogen to expand and potentially form bubbles in your bloodstream and tissues. The reality is, going to altitude for any reason (flying, driving, hot air ballooning, or even hiking) is the culprit, not just boarding an aircraft. It's crucial to allow sufficient time for the body tissues to off-gas nitrogen absorbed during the dive before ascending to altitude. The higher the altitude, the lower the ambient pressure, and therefore, the greater the risk of DCS. Current post-dive/pre-altitude exposure recommenda- tions for recreational divers: Single No-Decompression Dive: ▪ Wait at least 12 hours before going to altitudes of 2,000-8,000’ (610-2,439m). Multi-day, Repetitive No-Decompression Dives: ▪ Wait at least 18 hours before flying or going to altitude. Dives Involving Required Decompression Stops: ▪ Wait at least 24 hours before flying or going to altitude. (Note: A “safety
stop” is just that, and not considered a required decompression stop.) When it comes to your safety, it's always better to err on the side of caution and wait longer, especially if anything occurred during the dive that you feel may increase your DCS susceptibility. While we don’t know what happened to the person who was experiencing some confusion about flying following a dive at the popular Caribbean diving destination, we hope they suffered no ill effects from their ill-advised exposure to altitude so soon following a dive. We do know that this risk of the potentially devastating effects of DCS was much higher than if they had followed the existing “Flying After Diving” guidelines. Remember, the mantra of a safe diver is to be well informed, be pre- pared, and, above all, be safe. References: Orr, D. and Orr, B.
101 Tips for Recreational Scuba Divers. Best Pub- lishing Company (www.bestpub.com), Guidelines for Flying After Diving (https://dan.org/health-medi- cine/health-resource/health-safety-guidelines/guide- lines-for-flying-after-diving/)
email Dan Orr
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