Canadian diving data: A computerized decompression data bank

Abstract

Abstract : The study of decompression sickness is of major concern at various hyperbaric laboratories throughout the world. Although many data pertinent to decompression exist in various laboratories, few are circulated in any consistent format in the open literature. The development of an adequate decompression model that is suitable not only for shallow-depth short-time excursions but also for deep lengthy exposures requires the application of computer techniques and storage facilities. This computer methodology will make possible an efficient review of all pertinent data which in turn will lead to a better appreciation and elucidation of the important physiological parameters relevant to decompression sickness. Such an approach has rpven successful in the collation and analysis of medical statistics. The report describes the development and use of such a computerized system to store, collate, and evaluate an extensive body of decompression information collected at the Defence and Civil Institute of Environmental Medicine (DCIEM). The system is known as Canadian Diving Data and is referred to by the acronym CANDID.