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Date Published: 26/07/2021

ARCHIVED - Man suffers decompression syndrome after diving in Cabo de Palos

ARCHIVED ARTICLE

Cabo de Palos in Cartagena is a popular spot for divers in the Region of Murcia

<span style='color:#780948'>ARCHIVED</span> - Man suffers decompression syndrome after diving in Cabo de Palos

A 51-year-old man was rushed to hospital for a hyperbaric chamber treatment after reporting feelings of dizziness and vertigo following a diving trip in Cabo de Palos in Cartagena. The man was on Paseo de la Barra at the Islas Hormigas Diving Centre when he began showing symptoms of decompression syndrome (DCS), more commonly known as ‘the bends’.

DCS most often occurs to underwater divers during their ascent back to the surface, when dissolved gasses emerge as bubbles inside the body. The hyperbaric treatment allows medical personnel to introduce oxygen in a controlled manner.

The Emergency Coordination Centre of the Region of Murcia received the call shortly after 2pm and the patient was immediately transferred to the Practiser Clinic for medical intervention.

Earlier this month, the Red Cross and Maritime Rescue Services Murcia held an annual training exercise in Cabo de Palos for individuals who could potentially be involved in an underwater rescue following a diving accident.

The simulated training drill consisted of rescuing a group of divers who 'suffered a hyperbaric accident' after a dive to a depth of 50 metres.

Image: Archive