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Related Experiment Videos

An explosive decompression accident.

J C Giertsen1, E Sandstad, I Morild

  • 1University of Bergen, Gade Institute, Norway.

The American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology
|June 1, 1988
PubMed
Summary

Sudden decompression in divers caused rapid blood fat precipitation. This phenomenon, where lipids become insoluble, likely led to fatalities and severe injury.

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Area of Science:

  • Diving Medicine
  • Physiology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Divers were subjected to rapid decompression from 9 atm to 1 atm within a compression chamber system.
  • The accident occurred as one diver was closing a door within the chamber system.

Observation:

  • One diver was ejected from the chamber and sustained severe injuries.
  • The other three divers died at the scene.

Findings:

  • Autopsies revealed significant amounts of fat in major blood vessels and cardiac chambers.
  • Intravascular fat deposits were prominent in organs, particularly the liver.
  • The fat was determined to be precipitated in situ, not embolic.

Implications:

  • The rapid decompression likely caused blood lipids to denature and precipitate.

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  • This "fat drop-out" phenomenon is suggested as the cause of death and injury.
  • Understanding this mechanism is crucial for diving safety protocols and understanding decompression sickness.