Underwater application of nasal decongestants: method for special operations

A simple method of emergency underwater application of a nasal decongestant in divers to prevent diving-related accidents or even fatalities attributa ble to sequelae of middle-ear and sinus barotrauma of ascent was evaluated. Eleven military divers had to inject 1 mL of 0.02% methylene blue into a c entral Venous catheter after having inserted the tip between their upper li p and the mask at 1 m depth in a pool. After injection, the head had to be reclined. Blue liquid flowing from a diver's nostril and a "bitter" taste s ensation reported immediately after surfacing indicated successful applicat ion, All divers were observed to have had blue liquid flowing from the nost ril of application, and one diver could not describe the taste. This method of underwater application of nasal decongestants may be useful for emergen cy prevention in divers, especially during covert operations, Underwater av ailability of the system in a special kit carried by divers would be requir ed.