The Canarian Emergency Service (SUC) has treated 252 divers for suspected decompression sickness between 2015 and October 2026. Of these, 230 received care from 2015 to 2025, with a further 22 treated from January to October of this year.
In 74 cases, patients required transportation by medical helicopters. These incidents involved divers from El Hierro, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, La Palma, and La Gomera.
Decompression sickness can occur if a diver ascends too quickly or fails to follow recommended stop times. This can lead to nitrogen bubbles forming in the body, affecting various organs and tissues.
Symptoms may include joint pain, neurological disturbances, difficulty breathing, dizziness, weakness, or loss of consciousness. In the event of a diving accident, SUC advises contacting emergency services immediately to avoid delays in medical attention.
In the Canary Islands, hyperbaric chambers are located at the University Hospital of the Canary Islands and the Insular Hospital in Lanzarote. During air transfers, medical staff administer 100% oxygen, monitor the patient, and aim to keep the cabin altitude below 300 metres whenever safety allows.
