Air Embolism as a Cause of Death in Scuba Diving in the Pacific Northwest

Abstract

Air embolism is suspected to be at least a prime cause of scuba fatalities in the Seattle area. This tragedy can occur at less than 15 feet submersion. It is suggested that partial bronchial obstruction in a segmental or subsegmental bronchus acts as a ball-valve, permitting with each successive inspiration greater distal distention. Rupture of the alveoli results in air entering tom veins, proceeding to the heart from there. Air embolism in the coronary and cerebral vessels causes anoxia and death. Types of partial bronchial obstruction are discussed. A thorough investigation of every scuba death in the Puget Sound area of the Pacific Northwest is being carried out. Further study of the mechanism of the phenomenon of air embolism is indicated, coupled with promulgation of the facts to both physicians and lay personnel in this field. Whereas immediate recompression is the only practical treatment of these casualties, elimination of students of'scuba diving whose history, physical examination and chest x-rays show hazardous bronchial changes is a vital preventative step. A combination of adequate instruction plus a proper examination can reduce these accidents to the category of a rarity.