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Originally Posted by Team Sergeant
I've got a surgeon asking me if and when an individual can safely return to diving after a nasty case of the Bends? Is there a standard time period for this?
TS
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TS - Depends on what a "nasty case of the bends" is. Type II/III DCS frequently causes permanent damage, e.g. lingering neurological deficits (as serious as stroke-like symptoms). If the PT completed a full course of treatment with complete resolution of symptoms then a physical appropriate to the intended level of diving activity (recreational, technical, or commercial/military - along the lines of a Class "A" flight physical) administered by a physician trained in hyperbaric medicine (check with DAN for referrals) will clear them to return to diving. This is a case where your surgeon needs to "pass the buck" to a specialist. The potential liability issues aren't worth doing a favor for a friend. That's my professional advice FWIW. Peregrino
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