Decompression sickness, or the bends, "is a condition that develops when an excess of nitrogen has dissolved in body fluids and comes out of solution as bubbles of gas when a diver surfaces." (p 28, Culliney and Crockett) Decompression sickness, although less serious than rupturing a lung, has, on occasion, been fatal. It brings intolerable pain and recurring bouts of the bends. Even when it is not severe it could progressively damage parts of the body, …showed first 75 words of 792 total…

…showed last 75 words of 792 total…if they are left untreated or are not treated immediately. Also, if a diver passes their MDT they need to go through the procedure of decompressing themselves. They must stop during their ascent at a certain number of feet and remain there for a specified amount of time. If there is any doubt of whether a person is suffering from decompression sickness they should see a doctor right away especially since symptoms are sometimes delayed.