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People,
Due to a number of requests here is the Australian Oxygen
Table, note that the following is taken from 'The Diving Emergency
Handbook' Revised third edition (ISBN 0 9590306 0 3) by John
Lippmann & Stan Bugg, mainly because I asked John if I could
copy the details to the techdiver list. John's information
is exactly the same as in 'Diving & Subaquatic Medicine'
and at least this way I have the author's permission.
Please note - any errors are mine.
Start of quote.
EMERGENCY RECOMPRESSION TREATMENT IN THE WATER, USING OXYGEN.
Note 1.
This technique may be useful in treating cases of decompression
sickness in localities remote from recompression facilities.
It may also be of use while suitable transport to such
a centre is being arranged.
Note 2.
It should only be used in treating cases displaying skin
manifestations and/or pain at or near a joint as the only
symptoms of decompression sickness.
Note 3.
In planning it should be realised that the therapy may take
up to 3 hours. The risks of cold, immersion and other
environmental factors should be balanced against beneficial
effects. The diver must be accopanied by an attendant.
EQUIPMENT:
The following equipment is essential before attempting this
form of treatment.
1. Full face mask with demand valve and surface supply system
or helmet with free flow.
2. Adequate supply of 100% oxygen for patient & air for attendant.
3. Wetsuit for thermal protection.
4. Shot line with at least 10 metres of rope marked in 1 metre
increments ( a seat or harness may be rigged to the shot).
5. Some form of communication system between patient, attendent
& surface.
METHOD:
1. The patient is lowered on the shot rope to 9 metres breathing
100% oxygen.
2. Ascent is commenced after 30 minutes in mild cases, or 60 minutes
in severe cases, if improvement has occurred. These times may
be extended to 60 minutes & 90 minutes respectively if there
is no improvement.
3. Ascent is at the rate of 1 metre every 12 minutes.
4. If symptoms recur remain at depth a further 30 minutes before
continuing ascent.
5. If oxygen supply is exhausted, return to the surface, rather
than breathe air. DO NOT LET THE PATIENT BREATHE AIR UNDERWATER.
6. After surfacing, the patient should be given one hour on oxygen,
one hour off, for a further 12 hours.
End of quote.
John is in the process of revising the handbook and told me that the
latest thinking on oxygen toxicity is that it may occur in some
people at oxygen partial pressures greater than 1.5 ATA. Also please
note that medical authorities in the US strongly recommend that
in-water recompression using either air or oxygen never be attempted.
Obviously why John left the information out of 'Deeper into Diving'.
Well I hope that answers your questions on the Australian view of
in-water recompression using oxygen - certain well known diving
doctors here are all for it in the correct circumstances.
By the way if you have an questions or comments for John Lippmann
I can pass them on, just be aware that he is in a constant revision
cycle on his books to ensure that they incorporate the latest
changes in diving medicine knowledge and so may not get back to
you quickly.
-------------------------------------------------------
Zyg Poliniak | Phone: 61-3-252-3072 (B/H)
| Fax: 61-3-252-7390 (B/H)
Melbourne | Email: <zyg@ac*.ne*.au*>
Australia | Email: <100353.1605@co*.co*>
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