Posted by Ken Kurtis on June 13, 2001 at 00:03:26:
In Reply to: A.G.E hit posted by herb miller on June 12, 2001 at 18:08:53:
First off, condolences because dive accidients should happen to no one. But I'm a bit confused.
"A.G.E." usually stands for "Arterial Gas Embolism", not the bends (which would be "DCS" or "DCI").
Embolisms are a result of the lungs (or a portion thereof, like in an asthmatic) closing down, aka holding your breath. Bends are the result of nitrogen accumulation due to depth/time.
In one of the posts, Herb explains about depths and times but if this is an AGE that's apples and oranges, since you can embolise in as little as 4-6' of water and it's not related to depth/time.
If it's an AGE (as stated), sounds like she held her breath (or is possibly asthmatic) which, absent asthma, sounds not only entirely avoidable but more like diver error.
Herb, can you clarify?
Ken Kurtis
NAUI Instr. #5936
Co-owner, Reef Seekers Dive Co.
Beverly Hills, Ca.