title: SCUBA medicine: a first-responder's guide to diving injuries.
abstract: Self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) diving is an ever-growing sport, and despite a myriad of technological advances to improve safety, it remains dangerous. Providers of medical care for SCUBA divers must have an understanding of diving physiology and potential medical problems that can occur. SCUBA diving also can take participants to remote areas, so being properly prepared for potential emergencies can make a significant difference. The following is a review of diving physiology and the medical problems that can occur in SCUBA divers, along with some suggestions as to how to prepare for a SCUBA excursion.
authors.affiliation: Kaiser Permanente, 25965 S. Normandie Ave., Harbor City, CA, USA. esbass@aol.com
authors.forename: Moin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Salahuddin
authors.forename: Laurie A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: James
authors.forename: Evan Stuart
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Bass
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001469:Barotrauma / Q000209:etiology; D001733:Bites and Stings / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D003064:Cnidarian Venoms / Q000009:adverse effects; D003665:Decompression Sickness / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D004242:Diving / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000502:physiology*; D004432:Ear, Middle / Q000293:injuries; D004618:Embolism, Air / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D005626:Frontal Sinus / Q000293:injuries; D006801:Humans; D055370:Lung Injury / Q000209:etiology; D008443:Maxillary Sinus / Q000293:injuries; D008487:Medical History Taking; D010808:Physical Examination; D011030:Pneumothorax / Q000209:etiology
chemical_list: D003064:Cnidarian Venoms