NOTES:
(1) This applies to reaching altitude by any means – flying, driving, climbing, train, etc.
(2) The "decompression sickness" results from release of dissolved nitrogen gas in the diver's blood as microbubbles.
Parameters:
(1) number of dives per diving day
(2) doing dives with obligated decompression steps on ascent
(3) adherence to recommendations for decompression stops while resurfacing
(4) evidence of decompression sickness
(5) illness or physiologic condition predisposing to decompression sickness
If the person has made no more than 1 dive on any day during the trip, and if no other findings are present, then the minimum surface interval before reaching altitude is 12 hours.
If any one of the following are present, then the minimum surface interval should be at least 24 hours:
(1) multiple dives per day
(2) dives requiring decompression stops
(3) failure to adhere to recommendations for decompression
(4) illness or physiologic condition predisposing to decompression sickness
If the person has signs of decompression sickness after diving, then the person should be treated immediately. The person should not be allowed to reach altitude until he or she has been adequately treated.
