Diver Poisoning with Contaminated Compresses Air

Abstract

Abstract The paper describes the case of a military diver who suffered from a complicated poisoning caused by hydrocarbons contained in his breathing air. The hydrocarbons came from a malfunctioning compressor which was used to fill the diving cylinders; the compressor sucked in the exhaust gases of its own motor. Exhaust gas poisoning was further complicated by hypoxia and hypercapnia as the diver spat out the mouthpiece and started to breathe from inside the suit. This resulted in a loss of consciousness. The diver was extracted to the surface and was given oxygen to breathe. The course of treatment was successful. On the same day, symptoms of exhaust gas poisoning occurred in several divers using cylinders filled with the same compressor.