If a diver has AGE or DCS and a pneumothorax, what is the recommended destination for treatment?

• A. Chamber for recompression
• B. Local clinic
• C. Boat
• D. Home

Answer: (A)

The main idea being tested is that the definitive treatment for AGE or DCS, even when a pneumothorax is present, is hyperbaric oxygen therapy delivered in a recompression chamber. Pushing the diver into a chamber increases ambient pressure, which compresses gas bubbles inside the body and tissues, while 100% oxygen accelerates off-gassing and improves tissue oxygenation. This combination directly addresses the root problem of both AGE and DCS and is the only treatment that can rapidly reduce bubble size and restore circulation and oxygen delivery.

A local clinic, a boat, or a home setting cannot provide the controlled pressurization and continuous high-flow oxygen needed for effective treatment, nor can they safely manage the complexities of a pneumothorax in the context of gas embolism. If a pneumothorax is present but the patient is stable, they still need to be in a facility with a hyperbaric chamber so definitive therapy can proceed under proper medical supervision.