injuries and poisoning
Arterial Gas Embolism
Treatment of Arterial Gas Embolism
 Recompression Therapy None People with arterial gas embolism are immediately made to lie down and given oxygen. They must be returned as soon as possible to a high-pressure environment, so that the air bubbles are compressed and forced to dissolve in the blood. Many medical centers have high-pressure (recompression or hyperbaric) chambers for this purpose. Flying, even at a low altitude, reduces atmospheric pressure and allows bubbles to expand further, but it can be justified if it saves substantial time in getting people to a suitable chamber. If possible, people should fly in a plane pressurized to sea level, or the plane should fly at as low an altitude as is consistent with safety. Breathing supplemental oxygen is also recommended. 