title: Arterial gas embolism in a Special Forces combat dive student during free-swimming ascent training: A case study.
abstract: Free-swimming ascent is taught to military divers and submariners as a self-rescue technique in the event of an emergency or a planned covert surfacing technique. Although this technique is infrequently used, it is considered a high-risk training event due to the risk and subsequent high morbidity and mortality of pulmonary barotrauma from pulmonary over-inflation injury. This case study will illustrate an example of a pulmonary overinflation injury and arterial gas embolism in an Army Special Forces Combat Diver who had no violation of technique while conducting a 50 foot free-swimming ascent to training standards and under the supervision of experienced Dive Supervisors. Additionally, the issue of allowing such individuals to return to diving is discussed.
authors.forename: Gerald W
authors.initials: GW
authors.lastname: Surrett
authors.forename: William M
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Vaughan
mesh_terms: D004242:Diving / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004618:Embolism, Air / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D045853:Exhalation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D062707:Return to Work; D013334:Students; D013550:Swimming; D055815:Young Adult