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Cardiac arrest in diving: The key to success
Henry James Jonathon Hughes1, Stuart McPhail2, Nathan Wilson1
1Institute of Naval Medicine, Gosport, Hampshire, UK.
Summary
Prompt treatment and rapid evacuation to a recompression chamber (RCC) were crucial for the survival of a diver experiencing cardiac arrest due to suspected arterial gas embolism (AGE). This case highlights the importance of the chain of survival in diving emergencies.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Hyperbaric Medicine
- Diving Medicine
Background:
- Diving activities carry inherent risks, including arterial gas embolism (AGE).
- Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in divers necessitates rapid and specialized medical intervention.
Observation:
- A case report details the successful management of a diver with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, suspected to be caused by AGE.
- The diver received prompt bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation and rapid evacuation via helicopter emergency medical services.
Findings:
- Successful resuscitation and treatment were achieved through timely transfer to a Category 1 recompression chamber (RCC).
- Multiple rounds of hyperbaric oxygen therapy were administered, leading to the successful treatment of the presumed AGE.
- Key factors included early recognition, effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and direct evacuation to a specialized hyperbaric facility.
Implications:
- This case underscores the critical importance of the "chain of survival" in diving emergencies.
- Competency in basic life support for divers and awareness among emergency services of the need for hyperbaric facilities are essential.
- Effective management requires prompt on-scene care and specialized hyperbaric treatment for diving-related cardiac arrest.
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