Ask DAN: Oxygen First Aid

Question

When administering O₂ to someone who may be suffering from DCI, and is fully conscious, there appears to be conflict about whether the person receiving the O₂ should be laying down, or just be allowed to be made comfortable and allowed to sit down. What’s the general opinion?  

DAN Answer

The best position depends on the circumstances. If a diver has neurological signs and symptoms (e.g. severe headache, visual problems, impaired consciousness, weakness etc) within say 60 minutes (typically within 20-30 minutes) of surfacing, we would be concerned about the possibility of inert gas bubbles in the arterial blood (i.e. arterial gas embolism) and the diver should be laid flat to reduce the chances of bubbles rising to their head and impairing circulation to the brain.

If the diver is unconscious or nauseated, they should be placed on their side to protect the airway.

If a diver is conscious and has difficulty breathing, they may be more comfortable sitting or semi-reclined, although if they also have neurological signs/symptoms it would be better for them to lie down if possible, for the reason given above.

In situations other than those described above, the diver can be managed in a position of comfort.

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