Efficiency of a 24-hour on-call system for early recompression therapy for acute decompression sickness

Early recompression therapy is suggested for a better clinical outcome of decompression sickness (DCS) patients. This study analyzed the efficacy of our 24-hour on-call system for early recompression therapy.

We conducted a single-center retrospective cohort study. They were classified into DCS Type I versus Type II, duty time versus non-duty time groups based on the time of emergency department (ED) admission, and hospitalization versus discharge groups according to clinical outcomes. Baseline characteristics, diving variables, and in-hospital course were analyzed.

This study investigated 341 acute DCS patients. A total of 81 and 260 patients had Type I and Type II DCS, respectively. While 198 patients accessed the center during duty time, 143 presented during non-duty time. Fifty patients were admitted, and 291 patients were discharged. Total median time from symptom onset to HBO2 therapy was 259 minutes: 240 minutes for the duty group and 292 minutes for the non-duty group (p=0.16); 251 minutes for the discharged group and 291 minutes for the hospitalized group (p<0.001). The median time from ED admission to HBO2 therapy was 65 minutes: 60 minutes for the duty group and 69 minutes for the non-duty group (p=0.23); 63.4 minutes for the discharged group and 92 minutes for the hospitalized group (p=0.05).

The 24-hour on-call system was able to provide acute DCS patients with early recompression therapy even during non-duty time. However, in terms of the outcome of treatment of patients, quicker arrival at the hospital and swifter recompression therapy are needed.