Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Training Rats to Voluntarily Dive Underwater: Investigations of the Mammalian Diving Response
Published on: November 12, 2014
What you need to know about diving medicine but won't find in a textbook
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Herston Road, Herston, Qld 4029, Australia. Greg_Emerson@health.qld.gov.au
Abstract:
The old adage that 'if a patient in your emergency department (ED) is wearing a wetsuit, fins and a mask, then he/she probably has a diving related illness' is one that should be remembered. This is an obvious statement that should not need stating; however, simple clues can be missed or disregarded. This article will address issues that may confront emergency physicians and for which there are few resources to find the answers. It aims to explain the reasons behind some of the advice given during consultation with a hyperbaric physician. The second aim is to bring emergency physicians up to date with new diving practices and how these may impact upon traditional diving injuries. To achieve these aims, this article is a compilation of answers to frequently asked or pertinent questions related to diving medicine.
Related Concept Videos
Special considerations while measuring oxygen saturation
Ensuring accuracy in vital sign recordings while prioritizing patient comfort and minimizing anxiety is important.
Physiological Control of Respiration
Breathing, a seemingly passive process, is regulated by the respiratory center in the brainstem. This center coordinates the involuntary control of respirations, which means it occurs without conscious effort, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted pattern.
Regulation of Ventilation
The body maintains ventilation by monitoring levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), oxygen (O2), and hydrogen ion concentration (pH) in the arterial blood. Among these factors, the level of CO2 plays a crucial...
Physical Principles Governing Gas Exchange
Gas Laws Governing Respiration
The behavior of gases is guided by Dalton's Law of partial pressures and Henry's Law.
Dalton's Law asserts that the total pressure exerted by...
Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract II: Inspection
Chest Configuration
The chest configuration can...
Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management

