title: Initial evaluation of the diving accident victim.
abstract: Diving accidents include air embolism and decompression sickness. Both require early stabilization and initiation of therapy before transfer to a definitive medical center for recompression therapy. Initial treatment consists of hydration, oxygen therapy and often steroids and antithrombosis therapy. Symptoms must be separated from other related conditions including myocardial infarction.
authors.affiliation: Critical Care Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville.
authors.forename: T J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Gallagher
mesh_terms: D000059:Accidents; D003665:Decompression Sickness / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D004242:Diving / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004618:Embolism, Air / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D004632:Emergency Medical Services; D006801:Humans