hi all.. my first post here so I hope I'm in the right spot!
I just want to get some clarification around decompression sickness and freediving.. not can it cause it, but rather, IF someone has had a recent Type 1 DCS (ie: 1 week ago) can they then go freediving/do a freediving course?
The scenario is as follows:
- Mid 30s female
- Type 1 DCS 1 week ago
- Profile was 2 clean dives (20m max, 17m max, dive times < 60mins each). Felt very unwell after the dives, but - did not tell anyone as did not realise this could have been a DCS symptom.
- 2 more dives the next day, similar profile. later that day felt ill again, painful hips/joints and also a painful skin rash.
- No immediate o2/medical treatment was given. Either day.
- Dive Centre manager said "it could be a DCS or it could be allergy to lead/nikel", they consulted a local Dr, telephone call with dr back in Europe who stated similar
- nearest chamber at least 8-10 hours away (local one closed 2 weeks ago) and we are in a remote location.
I work at a dive resort, and we have a guest with the above profile asking if they can complete their Level 1 Freediving course. Our instructor is stating no based on the following:
- very recent DCS, with cause of DCS uknown (clean dive profile, healthy diver) and therefore do not want to take risk without proper medical checkup first
- remote location/no chamber
- and of course... with a recent DCS this person doesn't actually pass the medical statement questionnaire (and there is no Dr nearby to check them or give them clearance)
I'm curious on peoples thoughts/known facts here:
- should a person/can a person freedive after recent Type 1 DCS, that occurred off a clean profile?
- if yes or no... what's the reasoning/physiology behind it?
Any input would be much appreciated!
I just want to get some clarification around decompression sickness and freediving.. not can it cause it, but rather, IF someone has had a recent Type 1 DCS (ie: 1 week ago) can they then go freediving/do a freediving course?
The scenario is as follows:
- Mid 30s female
- Type 1 DCS 1 week ago
- Profile was 2 clean dives (20m max, 17m max, dive times < 60mins each). Felt very unwell after the dives, but - did not tell anyone as did not realise this could have been a DCS symptom.
- 2 more dives the next day, similar profile. later that day felt ill again, painful hips/joints and also a painful skin rash.
- No immediate o2/medical treatment was given. Either day.
- Dive Centre manager said "it could be a DCS or it could be allergy to lead/nikel", they consulted a local Dr, telephone call with dr back in Europe who stated similar
- nearest chamber at least 8-10 hours away (local one closed 2 weeks ago) and we are in a remote location.
I work at a dive resort, and we have a guest with the above profile asking if they can complete their Level 1 Freediving course. Our instructor is stating no based on the following:
- very recent DCS, with cause of DCS uknown (clean dive profile, healthy diver) and therefore do not want to take risk without proper medical checkup first
- remote location/no chamber
- and of course... with a recent DCS this person doesn't actually pass the medical statement questionnaire (and there is no Dr nearby to check them or give them clearance)
I'm curious on peoples thoughts/known facts here:
- should a person/can a person freedive after recent Type 1 DCS, that occurred off a clean profile?
- if yes or no... what's the reasoning/physiology behind it?
Any input would be much appreciated!