Welcome to SDM

If you are a SCUBA Diver, you will no doubt have heard of Decompression Illness (DCI), more commonly known as the 'bends' and learnt of the ways to reduce the risk of DCI. You may even know of someone who has suffered DCI and realise how important it is to receive the correct treatment and FAST!

There are currently four Scottish recompression facilities registered for NHS–funded emergency treatment.

Over the past ten years, the number of cases of decompression illness treated in Scotland has risen seven-fold.  In order to provide the highest possible quality of care for divers suffering from decompression illness, technical and clinical expertise is provided by a centrally co-ordinated service.

The Co-ordination Service for Scottish Therapeutic Recompression Chambers provides a service that ensures a high quality of treatment for the patient at a recompression facility most suitably equipped to deal with their type of decompression illness.

Recompression in a hyperbaric chamber is the definitive therapy for decompression illness and should be commenced as soon as possible.

This site is intended to help promote safety in SCUBA diving, raise awareness of the appropriate use of hyperbaric chambers and the conditions for which they are an approved treatment.

Please note that the information provided on this site is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between the site visitor and his or her existing physician.

Diving emergencies and medical advice in Scotland: call 0845 408 6008 and ask for the on-call hyperbaric consultant.

In England, Wales or Northern Ireland telephone (07831) 151523

Outside the U.K. contact the Divers Alert Network

Do not assume that the nearest hyperbaric chamber is the most appropriate for treatment.