University of Hawaii, John A. Burns School of Medicine Medical Director, Hyperbaric Treatment Center 347 N. Kuakini St. Honolulu, HI 96817, USA. rsmerz@htchawaii.com
The effect of aging on risk for development of decompression illness in divers has often been reported as an incidental finding in epidemiological analyses of diving accidents. No previous publications have specifically attempted to quantify or qualify those risks if present. This study demonstrates that aging increases risk for injury overall, serious injury in particular, and lessens recovery potential.