The Bends
The Bends (Decompression Sickness) is a medical problem that occurs when a scuba diver dives under water, but at very deep levels. When the diver is sixty feet deep inside the ocean, the partial pressure of nitrogen, starts developing. Gradually when he swims down at hundred feet, this partial pressure increases to a great level. Not only nitrogen there many other gases that are under pressure and the scuba diver breathes them. When these gases are respired inside our body, they start mixing up with the blood of the diver, which ultimately results in blindness, state of unconsciousness and many other problems. This state is referred to as The Bends (Decompression Sickness).
Symptoms of The Bends (Decompression Sickness)
When the nitrogen starts mixing with the blood of the diver, it starts accumulating at the joints and the muscles. This results in paining of the joints that is why the name is The Bends (Decompression Sickness).
Rashes increase in the body.
Head and Neck region may acquire pain.
Lymph Nodes become inflamed and sore.
Nervous system illness includes numbness, lack of ability to urinate and lot more.
Chest Pain
Breathing problems
Immediate Cure for The Bends (Decompression Sickness)
If the body temperature drops down, use blankets and quilts to give warmth to the body of the diver.
If it is an emergency, take the diver to the hospital but make him lie on his back.
You can call at toll free numbers of the diver's alert network to obtain help.
The Diver should be provided with high flow of oxygen.
All these treatments can be provided to a diver who is found unconscious during scuba diving. If in any case he feels unconscious, there might be a chance of The Bends (Decompression Sickness). So it is better to take the diver to a hospital immediately in any such case.
A scuba diver should keep all these things in mind while scuba diving as such reasons may give rise to ruthless medical problems like The Bends (Decompression Sickness).
Summary
The Bends (Decompression Sickness) is a health hazard that is caused due to scuba diving at greater depths.