The Australian Method

This technique may be useful in treating cases of decompression sickness in localities remote from recompression facilities. It may also be of use while suitable transport to such a center is being arranged.

In planning, it should be realised that the therapy may take up to three hours. The risks of cold, immersion, and other environmental factors should be balanced against the benficial effects. The diver must be accompanied by an attendant.

Equipment

The following equipment is essential before attempting this form of treatment.

1. Full face mask with demand valve and surface supply system, or helmet with free flow.

2. Adequate supply of 100% oxygen for patient, and air for attendant.

3. Wet suit [or dry suit] for thermal protection.

4. Shot with at least 3 f/10 m of rope (a seat or harness may be rigged to the shot).

5. Some form of communication system between patient, attendant and surface.

Method

1. The patient is lowered on the shot rope to 30 f/9 m, breathing 100% oxygen.

2. Ascent is commenced after 30 minutes in mild cases, or 60 minutes in severe cases, if improvement has occurred. These times may be extended to 60 minutes and 90 minutes respectively if there is no improvement.

3. Ascent is at the rate of 3 f/1 m every 12 minutes.

4. If symptoms recur remain at depth, a further 30 minutes before continuing ascent.

5. If oxygen supply is exhausted, return to the surface, rather than breathe air.

6. After surfacing, the patient should be alternately given one hour on oxygen, one hour off, for a further 12 hours.

Table Aust 9 (RAN 82), short oxygen table

DEPTH ELAPSED TIME RATE OF

(meters) Mild Serious ASCENT

9 0030-0100 0100-0130

8 0042-0112 0112-0142

7 0054-0124 0124-0154 12 minutes

6 0106-0136 0136-0206 per meter

5 0118-0148 0148-0218 (4 min/ft)

4 0130-0200 0200-0218

3 0142-0212 0212-0242

2 0154-0224 0224-0254

1 0206-0236 0236-0306

From Edmonds et al. (1981), p.558.