A paper on decompression sickness

Decompression sickness, or the bends, "is a condition that develops when an excess of nitrogen has dissolved in body fluids and comes out of solution as bubbles of gas when a diver surfaces." (p 28, Culliney and Crockett) Decompression sickness, although less serious than rupturing a lung, has, on occasion, been fatal. It brings intolerable pain and recurring bouts of the bends. Even when it is not severe it could progressively damage parts of the body, …

…if they are left untreated or are not treated immediately. Also, if a diver passes their MDT they need to go through the procedure of decompressing themselves. They must stop during their ascent at a certain number of feet and remain there for a specified amount of time. If there is any doubt of whether a person is suffering from decompression sickness they should see a doctor right away especially since symptoms are sometimes delayed.