Arterial Gas Embolism (A.G.E.)

Arterial Gas Embolisms must be diagnosed promptly and accurately. The supply of blood to the brain is almost always compromised, and unless they are quickly and properly treated (by recompression), AGEs are likely to result in permanent damage, or even cause death. Since the blood only takes a few seconds to flow from the the heart to the brain, neurological symptoms such as loss of consciousness will normally occur minutes after reaching the surface. Any symptom affecting the central nervous system (CNS) occurring more than ten minutes after surfacing is rarely the result of gas embolisms. Divers who receive oxygen while underwater, regardless of the source, and lose consciousness or exhibit neurological symptoms ten minutes or less after resurfacing must be treated as AGE victims. Recompression treatment must be provided immediately.