Decompression Sickness – DMR – D5

Description

Decompression sickness CE is a focused module in the Trilogy EMS Diving Medical Responder curriculum. Covers bubble formation, tissue supersaturation and the inflammatory cascade; presentation by organ system including musculoskeletal, cutaneous, neurological, spinal, inner ear and pulmonary; why spinal decompression sickness is patchy, asymmetric and non-dermatomal; inner ear decompression sickness mechanism and risk profile; the complete field management set; mild DCI triage; and delayed presentation.

The module connects diving-specific knowledge to practical assessment, decision-making and field management. Students are expected to recognize the relevant mechanism, identify important findings, collect and communicate a useful dive history, and understand how the information affects care and referral. The material emphasizes accurate terminology, repeatable assessment, appropriate documentation and communication with EMS, emergency department and hyperbaric resources when indicated.

Decompression sickness CE is designed to strengthen the responder’s ability to interpret diving incidents in context rather than treating an isolated symptom. The course reinforces the relationship between dive profile, physiology, patient presentation, treatment priorities and transport decisions. Content is presented within the student’s existing scope of practice; completion does not expand or replace professional licensure, medical direction or agency protocols.

This module is part of the Trilogy EMS Diving Medical Responder (DMR) course and supports the integrated knowledge required to assess and manage diving and aquatic emergencies. Students should complete the module content and associated assessment as assigned within the DMR curriculum.