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Suspected DCS: first response

Recognise it, give oxygen, get help. Minutes matter.

Important. This is general information, not medical advice or a substitute for trained rescue and first aid. In an emergency contact local emergency services and a diving medical hotline (e.g. DAN). Get proper training before you need it.

If you suspect DCS

  • Call emergency services and a diver-emergency hotline (DAN or local equivalent) immediately
  • Lay the diver down and keep them still, warm and calm
  • Give the highest concentration of emergency oxygen available, continuously
  • Give fluids if conscious and able to swallow; do not give alcohol
  • Keep the dive computer/profile and note the timeline for the medics

Do not attempt in-water recompression. Arrange evacuation to a recompression chamber as directed by the medical hotline. Symptoms can worsen — keep monitoring breathing and responsiveness.