Rebreather World - View Single Post - Treating suspected DCI with 100% O2 (is it wrong?)

hchoat · 31st January 2006, 18:42

Quote: (Originally Posted by Deepthought)

Hi Guys,

I've always worked on the opinion that the best treatment for suspected DCI is 100% O2 preferably via a demand valve but failing that a non-rebreather bag mask.

I emailed a chap who is selling a 4 lpm / 8 lpm O2 kit in the dive section on ebay (because the flow seemed too low to me - I was taught 15 to 25 lpm)and his response was as follows:-

"you do not treat anyone with dci with 100%oxygen because it can do a lot of damage you should use helem and oxygen because pure o2 makes the vains cotract making it harder for the bubble to flow round the body if used pure 02 the vains cotract which could cause a big problem"

Apart from the inability to spell (Presume he means Helium and veins contract) his opinion seems very wrong.

While a Helium Oxygen mix would have a similar effect in terms of flushing Nitrogen, maintaining O2 saturation has also got to be a high priority.

Given a choice between 100% O2 ; 50% He/O2 ; 79% He / 21% O2

I would be going for the 100% O2 every time.

Though some people say laughter is the best medicine and getting someone to describe their symptoms in a high pitched helium induced donald duck voice could cause much hilarity.

Cheers

Andy

If treating suspected DCI with 100% O2 is wrong, then DAN has developed an entirely incorrect protocol (doubtful). I'm not quite sure the ebay seller knows what he is talking about.

31st January 2006, 18:42	#2 (permalink)
hchoat Resident Selkie Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Pensacola, FL- USA Posts: 227	Re: Treating suspected DCI with 100% O2 (is it wrong?) Quote: (Originally Posted by Deepthought) Hi Guys, I've always worked on the opinion that the best treatment for suspected DCI is 100% O2 preferably via a demand valve but failing that a non-rebreather bag mask. I emailed a chap who is selling a 4 lpm / 8 lpm O2 kit in the dive section on ebay (because the flow seemed too low to me - I was taught 15 to 25 lpm)and his response was as follows:- "you do not treat anyone with dci with 100%oxygen because it can do a lot of damage you should use helem and oxygen because pure o2 makes the vains cotract making it harder for the bubble to flow round the body if used pure 02 the vains cotract which could cause a big problem" Apart from the inability to spell (Presume he means Helium and veins contract) his opinion seems very wrong. While a Helium Oxygen mix would have a similar effect in terms of flushing Nitrogen, maintaining O2 saturation has also got to be a high priority. Given a choice between 100% O2 ; 50% He/O2 ; 79% He / 21% O2 I would be going for the 100% O2 every time. Though some people say laughter is the best medicine and getting someone to describe their symptoms in a high pitched helium induced donald duck voice could cause much hilarity. Cheers Andy If treating suspected DCI with 100% O2 is wrong, then DAN has developed an entirely incorrect protocol (doubtful). I'm not quite sure the ebay seller knows what he is talking about. __________________ Duct tape is like the force... it has a light side and dark side, and it holds the universe together.
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