What is DCS?

DCS happens when nitrogen dissolved in your blood and tissues during a dive comes out of solution as bubbles too quickly during ascent. The bubbles cause pain, neurological symptoms, or in severe cases life-threatening complications. The risk increases with depth, dive time, repetitive dives, and ascent speed.

DCS Type 1 vs Type 2

Type 1 (musculoskeletal): joint pain (especially elbows, shoulders, knees), itching, skin rash. Generally not life-threatening but requires medical attention. Type 2 (neurological/pulmonary): dizziness, weakness, numbness, paralysis, breathing difficulty, or unconsciousness. Emergency — call for evacuation immediately.

Symptoms (with timing)

Within 1 hour: most cases present. Within 6 hours: ~85% of all cases. Within 24 hours: nearly all. Symptoms: joint pain, unusual fatigue, headache, tingling/numbness, dizziness, skin rash with itching, vision problems, difficulty breathing, paralysis, loss of bladder/bowel control. ANY symptom after a dive — seek help.

How to prevent DCS

Ascend slowly: max 9m/min (most computers beep). Safety stop: 3 minutes at 5m on every dive deeper than 10m. Surface interval: minimum 1 hour between dives, longer is better. Hydration: drink water before and after — dehydration concentrates nitrogen. No flying: minimum 18 hours after one dive, 24 hours after multiple dives. No alcohol before diving.

What to do if you suspect DCS

Lie down, breathe pure oxygen if available, hydrate orally if conscious. Call DAN Asia-Pacific +61 8 8212 9242 or Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency. Notify your dive operator. Nearest recompression chamber: HUKM in Kuala Lumpur (3-4 hours by speedboat + ambulance). Don't dive again, don't fly, don't take painkillers (mask symptoms). Dive insurance (DAN) covers the chamber treatment which costs ~RM 8,000-15,000 per session.