Physiology Under Pressure – DMR – D3

Description

Diving physiology under pressure is a focused module in the Trilogy EMS Diving Medical Responder curriculum. Covers immersion physiology including central blood volume shift and immersion diuresis, cold shock response, the diving reflex and autonomic conflict, pulmonary gas exchange and carbon dioxide retention under pressure, the anatomy of equalization, patent foramen ovale and right-to-left shunt, pulmonary and CNS oxygen toxicity, immersion pulmonary edema, and inert gas narcosis.

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.

Diving physiology under pressure 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.