Abstract
Introduction: Pulmonary barotrauma consists in the damage of pulmonary tissues resulting from pressure differences in the body and the surroundings. Barotrauma may occur during diver's ascent with a held breath.
Objective: Presentation of symptoms in divers performing dives at shallow depths. A detailed description of pulmonary barotrauma as a direct hazard to life. Rescue procedure in the case of an occurrence of pulmonary barotrauma, methods of prevention.
Abridged description of the state of knowledge: Proper equipment preparation, systematic diving training, as well as systematic medical control aimed at conducting medical examinations with regard to staying under water, all constitute primary preventive measures. At the moment of an occurrence of pulmonary barotrauma in a diver it is necessary to perform first aid activities by qualified medical personnel and arrange for a quick transportation to the nearest hyperbaric centre.
Summary: Commonly, pulmonary barotrauma concerns individuals diving at depths up to 10 metres. Pulmonary barotrauma is a state of danger to one's health and life. Proper procedures at the scene of an accident as well as quick transportation to a hyperbaric chamber increase the chance of one's recovery and may constitute the necessary condition during rescue activities.