Decompression sickness (DCS), also known as "the bends," occurs when nitrogen bubbles form in the bloodstream due to rapid changes in pressure after a dive. Here are several strategies to reduce the risk of DCS while scuba diving:
- Plan Your Dive Carefully:
- Avoid deep or long dives: Stay within safe depth limits and dive times according to dive tables or a dive computer to minimize nitrogen absorption.
- Plan for gradual ascents: Ascend slowly and make safety stops to allow your body to off-gas nitrogen gradually.
- Use a Dive Computer or Dive Tables:
- Use a dive computer to track your depth and time in real-time, and ensure you’re following the recommended ascent profiles.
- Refer to dive tables to stay within the no-decompression limits for your specific dive.
- Make Safety Stops:
- During ascent, incorporate a 3 to 5-minute stop at 15-20 feet (5-6 meters) to allow the body to off-gas excess nitrogen.
- Avoid Multiple Dives on the Same Day:
- If possible, avoid doing multiple dives in one day, especially if they are deep or long, as this increases the likelihood of nitrogen buildup.
- Hydrate Properly:
- Stay hydrated before, during, and after the dive, as dehydration can increase the risk of DCS by affecting the body’s ability to expel nitrogen.
- Avoid Alcohol and Smoking Before and After Dives:
- Alcohol and smoking can impair circulation and the body’s ability to eliminate nitrogen, increasing the risk of DCS.
- Don’t Rush the Ascent:
- Always ascend slowly at a rate no faster than 30 feet per minute (9 meters per minute). Rapid ascents can cause nitrogen to form bubbles in the body, leading to DCS.
- Consider Using Nitrox:
- Diving with enriched air (nitrox) has a higher oxygen content and a lower nitrogen content, reducing the amount of nitrogen absorbed during the dive.
- Monitor Your Physical Condition:
- Ensure you're in good physical health and fit for diving. Conditions like fatigue, cold, or illness can increase susceptibility to DCS.
- Take Rest Days Between Dives:
- For more strenuous diving trips, such as liveaboard expeditions, ensure you have adequate rest days between multiple dives to allow your body time to off-gas.
By following these guidelines and practicing safe diving procedures, you can significantly reduce the risk of decompression sickness.