For decompression sickness, which sequence of actions is recommended in flight?

For decompression sickness, which sequence of actions is recommended in flight?

• A. Descend safely, administer 100% oxygen, prepare for emergency ascent/evacuation, notify flight surgeon
• B. Notify flight surgeon first, then descend and administer oxygen
• C. Descend only if symptoms worsen, then evacuate
• D. Continue flight and treat symptoms with aspirin

Answer: (B)

In decompression sickness during flight, the priority is to reduce the harmful effects of bubbles and support the body’s oxygen needs while coordinating medical care. Notifying the flight surgeon or medical control first ensures you have the appropriate medical guidance and a plan for evacuation if needed, which is crucial because DCS can progress and require rapid escalation of care. After that, descending to a lower altitude helps by reducing ambient pressure, which slows or reverses bubble growth, and giving 100% oxygen accelerates nitrogen off-gassing from tissues and improves oxygen delivery. This sequence — obtain medical oversight, then descend and administer high-flow oxygen — aligns with how flight medical protocols manage DCS and supports safe, timely evacuation if symptoms persist or worsen. Other options delay essential treatment or rely on ineffective or inappropriate measures, such as aspirin, which does not treat DCS.

In decompression sickness during flight, the priority is to reduce the harmful effects of bubbles and support the body’s oxygen needs while coordinating medical care. Notifying the flight surgeon or medical control first ensures you have the appropriate medical guidance and a plan for evacuation if needed, which is crucial because DCS can progress and require rapid escalation of care. After that, descending to a lower altitude helps by reducing ambient pressure, which slows or reverses bubble growth, and giving 100% oxygen accelerates nitrogen off-gassing from tissues and improves oxygen delivery. This sequence — obtain medical oversight, then descend and administer high-flow oxygen — aligns with how flight medical protocols manage DCS and supports safe, timely evacuation if symptoms persist or worsen. Other options delay essential treatment or rely on ineffective or inappropriate measures, such as aspirin, which does not treat DCS.