DECOMPRESSION-SICKNESS IN IRELAND - A REVIEW

In the last decade there has been an increase in the incidence of deco mpression sickness in Ireland. The modern diver, equipped with special ly developed diving equipment, is exposed to abnormal physiological co nditions. This has resulted in a spectrum of medical conditions, which need to be recognised, diagnosed and treated. The department of Under water Medicine at University College Hospital, Galway, is the only ref erral centre in the Republic of Ireland for patients suffering from de compression sickness. Early recognition and referral for treatment dra matically improves patient outcome. A one year's review or patients re ferred for treatment is presented.