History of decompression research and development range of commercial, military and recreational diving. The first recorded experimental work related to decompression was conducted by Robert Boyle, who subjected experimental animals to reduced ambient pressure by use of a primitive vacuum pump. In the earliest experiments the subjects died from asphyxiation, but in later experiments, signs of what was later to become known as decompression sickness were observed. Later, when technological advances allowed the use of pressurisation of mines and caissons to exclude water ingress, miners were observed to present symptoms of what would become known as caisson disease, the bends, and decompression sickness. Once it was
Decompression illness its two components: "Decompression Sickness" and "Arterial Gas Embolism". Many signs and symptoms are common to both maladies, and it may be difficult to diagnose the actual problem. The dive history can be useful to distinguish which is more probable, but it is possible for both components to manifest at the same time following some dive profiles. First aid is common for both DCS and AGE: Treatment for the "Decompression Sickness" and the "Arterial Gas Embolism" components of DCI may differ significantly. Refer to the separate treatments under those articles. Decompression illness Decompression Illness (DCI) describes a range of symptoms