Decompression sickness (DCS) is a significant problem in both diving and tunneling, and the lessons from each field are mutually supportive. DCS probability is a useful metric of safety where safety is determined by the probability judged acceptable. DCS probabilities are estimated from pressure-time profiles and DCS outcomes. Because environmental conditions influence bubble formation and inert gas exchange, probability estimates must be based on exposure data for the environment of interest. DCS probabilities are estimated with decompression models, exposure data and statistical methods that fit the models to data. Evaluation and selection of decompression schedules follows from this process. Presented by Dr. Richard Vann

• published: 23 Sep 2013
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