An Adolescent Scuba Diver With 2 Episodes of Diving-Related Injuries Requiring Hyperbaric Oxygen Recompression Therapy

Abstract

Worldwide, more than 1000 scuba (self-contained underwater breathing apparatus) diving injuries per year requiring hyperbaric recompression are documented. Approximately 80 to 90 fatalities per year are reported in North America. On average, there were 16 diving injuries requiring hyperbaric recompression therapy in scuba divers aged 19 years and younger in North America between 1988 and 2002. The youngest injured diver was 11 years old, and the youngest fatality was 14 years old during this time period. In the year 2000, certifying recreational scuba diving organizations lowered the minimum age to 8 from age 12 years for participation in the sport. We report a case of a highly trained adolescent scuba diver who, despite having advanced diving certifications, had 2 separate episodes of diving-related injuries requiring hyperbaric recompression therapy. A discussion of medical considerations in the care of the child and adolescent scuba diver is included.

A puzzling case of arm paresthesias

“…5 This buildup results in endothelial injury and disruption of the body's microcirculation; capillary leakage and infl ammation cause vascular obstruction and neurologic compromise. 1,6 According to the Divers Alert Network, decompression sickness occurs in two to four per 10,000 recreational dives. 7 Nine divers died in 2007 from decompression sickness.…”

Should Children Be SCUBA Diving?

“…In 2001 alone, there were 4 diving-related fatalities in adolescents aged 17 to 19 years. 6 Between 1988 and 2002, there have been an average of 16 diving injuries per year requiring HBO therapy in children 19 years and younger. 6 In fact, there has been report of at least 1 adolescent diver sustaining two separate divingrelated injuries requiring HBO therapy.…”

“…6 Between 1988 and 2002, there have been an average of 16 diving injuries per year requiring HBO therapy in children 19 years and younger. 6 In fact, there has been report of at least 1 adolescent diver sustaining two separate divingrelated injuries requiring HBO therapy. 6 There have also been several documented cases of CAGE in swimming pools, particularly in divers with asthma.…”

“…6 In fact, there has been report of at least 1 adolescent diver sustaining two separate divingrelated injuries requiring HBO therapy. 6 There have also been several documented cases of CAGE in swimming pools, particularly in divers with asthma. 7 National SCUBA diving training courses typically set 12 years as the minimum age for diving instruction and certification 5 ; however, consideration should be given to individual evaluation and a higher minimum age.…”

Should children dive with self‐contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA)?

“…Tsung et al. (13) reported a sixteen‐year‐old subject who suffered severe decompression accidents twice although the subject being a certified diver. Dives deeper than 30 m had been performed in each of these accidents, and the adolescent diver was diving deeper than the accompanying adult.…”