The efficacy of using a Hyperlite(TM), hyperbaric stretcher for the treatment of serious decompression illness: A case report

The risk of a scuba diver developing decompression illness (DCI) is viewed as an associated occupational hazard of compressed gas diving for the recreational, scientific, public safety and commercial diving industries. Each diving community has various techniques, procedures and approaches to help mitigate these risks in the diving populations they serve. If a diver is stricken by DCI or “the bends” and is not promptly and adequately treated, then that diver runs the risk of permanent medical or neurological deficit which could affect not only his/her future livelihood but also their quality of life. This paper explores the efficacy of the HyperliteTM, a portable “folding” hyperbaric stretcher, for field treatment of decompression illness. The deployment and use of this pressurization system is discussed in relation to an actual diving accident case where availability of a Hyperlite helped to mitigate and provide prompt therapeutic hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) to a diver suffering vestibular (inner ear) decompression sickness.