Post-EVA: Decompression Sickness Treatment
Post-EVA adaptation of: Emergency treatment for decompression sickness (DCS) from rapid pressure changes during EVA or habitat incidents.
Indications
Suspected or confirmed decompression sickness after pressure change event.
Contraindications
None in emergency context.
Equipment Required
Standard Equipment
Hyperbaric chamber, 100% oxygen, IV access, fluids.
Lunar Medical Bay Substitutions
Recompression chamber (portable hyperbaric chamber is part of lunar medical bay specification). 100% oxygen via tight-fitting mask. IV fluids. Neurological assessment tools. Aspirin. Lidocaine IV (for refractory neurological DCS).
Procedure Steps
Remove from low-pressure environment. 100% oxygen by mask immediately. IV access and fluids. Neurological assessment. Transfer to hyperbaric chamber. US Navy Treatment Table 6 (or modified equivalent). Telemedicine hyperbaric medicine specialist.
Lunar Technique Modifications (1/6 Gravity)
TIME IS CRITICAL: Every minute without 100% oxygen worsens bubble formation. Immediate 100% O2 on suspicion, before confirmation. Portable HBO chamber: pressurize to 2.8 ATA with 100% O2 (Table 6). If no HBO available: continue 100% O2 surface and evacuate urgently. Aspirin 300mg for DCS with ischemic features. Aspirin 300mg if DCS Type II (neurological). Assess: will the patient survive transport if HBO unavailable?
Telemedicine Guidance Points
Contact Earth Medical Relay (+1.3s delay) at these critical decision points:
Immediately upon suspicion of DCS. Hyperbaric medicine specialist guidance for treatment table selection. Before any EVA activity resumption post-DCS.
Training Requirements
Medical officers: hyperbaric medicine training. All EVA operators: DCS recognition and emergency protocol.
Possible Complications
Permanent neurological deficit, pulmonary DCS, arterial gas embolism.