Serious diving problems are rare, but preparation is what makes them manageable. If a diver shows signs of decompression illness after surfacing, the response is well established: high-flow oxygen, rest, fluids, and rapid access to medical help. Every professional operation carries emergency oxygen and rehearses a plan for using it, because the minutes right after a problem are the ones that matter most.
Why oxygen helps
Breathing 100% oxygen does two things at once. It floods the body with the oxygen that bubbles may be blocking from reaching tissues, and it steepens the gradient that lets excess nitrogen leave the body faster.
Given early, it can reduce symptoms and improve the outcome even before a diver reaches a hyperbaric chamber. That is why we consider oxygen the first and most important tool in our kit.
The basic first-aid steps
If a diver feels unwell after a dive, the response follows a clear order:
- Keep the diver calm, still and lying down
- Give emergency oxygen as soon as possible
- Offer water to drink if the diver is fully alert
- Monitor breathing and consciousness
- Call for medical help and contact DAN for guidance
Even if symptoms seem to ease, the diver still needs a medical evaluation, because bends can recur.
Our safety net in Isla Fuerte
At Nautilus our team is trained in Emergency First Response, we carry emergency oxygen on every boat, and each service includes Magenta dive insurance. Our PADI instructors brief the emergency plan before we leave the dock at Paso Nuevo.
The nearest hyperbaric chamber is in Coveñas, and the Divers Alert Network (DAN) provides 24-hour advice and coordinates evacuation if it is ever required. Knowing exactly who to call and where to go is a core part of how we operate.
Prevention is the best first aid
The best emergency is the one that never happens. Conservative profiles, slow ascents, safety stops and good hydration mean our kit usually stays unused, exactly as we want.
Learning rescue skills is empowering for any diver. Ask us about the Rescue Diver and Emergency First Response courses in our courses and dives, or read more guides on staying safe underwater.
Important
This is general educational information, not medical advice. Always complete the medical questionnaire honestly, dive within your training and, if in doubt, consult a diving physician or contact DAN (Divers Alert Network). In an emergency in Colombia, the nearest hyperbaric chamber is in Coveñas.
