Decompression sickness among divers in Israel (Hebrew)

A series of 28 cases of decompression sickness in Israel seen from 1964 to 1975 is presented. 32.2% of the cases occurred after dives in which decompression was adequate, or in which, according to the U.S. Navy rules, it was not required. Treatment according to U.S. Navy decompression tables was quite satisfactory. In 88% of the cases symptoms were completely relieved after one therapeutic sequence in the compression chamber. A second therapeutic sequence was successful in all the other cases. Treatment by means of re diving and subsequent underwater decompression was unsatisfactory and should be restricted to mild cases when no compression is available. The relationship between the depth of the dive and the pressure required to relieve symptoms is stressed. Treatment in a compression chamber should be tried in all cases of decompression sickness, no matter what the time lapse is from the onset of symptoms. The problem of flying after diving is discussed.