If decompression sickness is suspected in flight, what immediate actions should be taken?

If decompression sickness is suspected in flight, what immediate actions should be taken?

• A. Descend safely if possible, administer 100% oxygen, prepare for emergency ascent/evacuation, and notify flight surgeon
• B. Ignore symptoms and continue the flight
• C. Delay descent and wait for symptoms to worsen
• D. Administer oral pain relievers and monitor

Answer: (C)

Decompression sickness in flight requires rapid actions to reduce bubble formation and improve tissue oxygenation. The immediate steps are to descend safely to a lower altitude if possible to lower ambient pressure, administer 100% oxygen to speed nitrogen washout and boost oxygen delivery to tissues, and prepare for emergency ascent/evacuation while notifying the flight surgeon so arrangements for medical support and potential hyperbaric treatment can be made upon landing. Delaying descent or continuing the flight, and relying on oral pain relievers alone, do not address the gas bubbles and can allow symptoms to worsen. Stay vigilant for progression and escalate as needed.

Decompression sickness in flight requires rapid actions to reduce bubble formation and improve tissue oxygenation. The immediate steps are to descend safely to a lower altitude if possible to lower ambient pressure, administer 100% oxygen to speed nitrogen washout and boost oxygen delivery to tissues, and prepare for emergency ascent/evacuation while notifying the flight surgeon so arrangements for medical support and potential hyperbaric treatment can be made upon landing. Delaying descent or continuing the flight, and relying on oral pain relievers alone, do not address the gas bubbles and can allow symptoms to worsen. Stay vigilant for progression and escalate as needed.