Description

A person diving with a dry suit can develop a "squeeze" over all or most of the body. It occurs when there is a failure to balance the pressure in the suit with the surrounding water pressure.


 

Patient selection: wearing a dry suit

 

Risk factors for occurrence:

(1) failure or absence of the safety non-return valve

(2) maladjusted or malfunctioning supply and exhaust valves

(3) sudden increase in depth

 

Clinical findings:

(1) Compression of the suit over all or most of the body ("squeeze") causes discomfort or pain.

(2) Breathing may be difficult due to difficulty expanding the thoracic cage.

(3) Bruises or petechiae in compressed areas are possible.

 


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