DMT study plan

Explain the pathophysiology of decompression sickness (DCS) and arterial gas embolism (AGE), distinguishing intravascular bubble formation from tissue bubble nucleation

List the presenting signs and symptoms of Type I versus Type II DCS and state the immediate management priorities for each

Describe the mechanisms of oxygen toxicity (pulmonary and CNS) and inert gas narcosis, including the depth and partial-pressure thresholds at which each becomes clinically relevant

Identify the gas laws (Boyle, Dalton, Henry, Charles) and apply each to a worked dive-profile calculation

Summarize the pathophysiology and field management of near-drowning, hypothermia, and barotrauma of descent and ascent

Explain the physiology of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) at the tissue level: oxygen delivery, vasoconstriction, neutrophil oxidative burst, and fibroblast/collagen activity

Compare the mechanisms by which HBO is therapeutic in problem wounds, radiation injury, and compromised grafts/flaps

Interpret the indications and contraindications for HBO using a recognized indication list, and justify why each absolute contraindication matters

Describe the presentation and acute management of oxygen toxicity seizures during a hyperbaric treatment

Calculate the partial pressure of oxygen at a given treatment depth and gas mix, and state whether it falls within accepted therapeutic limits

Explain the rationale for treatment tables (depth, time, air breaks) and the role of air breaks in mitigating oxygen toxicity

Describe the sequence of a standard multiplace hyperbaric treatment from pre-treatment assessment through decompression and post-treatment monitoring

Identify the equipment inside a chamber (built-in breathing systems, communications, fire suppression, pressure gauges) and state the function of each

Explain the risks of pressure-related equipment failure and the importance of pre-treatment equipment checks

Discuss the management of a patient who develops middle-ear barotrauma or sinus squeeze during compression

Demonstrate (or verbally rehearse) the pre-treatment patient assessment: history, physical exam, ear and sinus clearance, and fitness-to-dive determination

Describe the technique for teaching a patient to equalize middle-ear pressure and the maneuvers available when equalization fails

Explain the monitoring performed during treatment (vital signs, neurological checks, observation for oxygen toxicity) and the thresholds that trigger intervention

Outline the management of an unconscious patient or a patient with an artificial airway inside the chamber

Describe the procedure for an emergency depressurization and the situations in which it is indicated

Describe the clinical and technical skills required to manage a diving casualty from scene to recompression facility, including airway, breathing, circulation, and positioning

Explain the use of the U.S. Navy Treatment Tables and the rationale for the choice between Table 6 and Table 6A in a given scenario

Interpret arterial blood gases, chest radiographs, and basic audiometry/tympanometry findings in the context of diving injury

Describe the technique and limitations of transcutaneous oximetry and other non-invasive assessments used to guide HBO therapy

Explain the principles of wound assessment and the role of serial measurements in judging response to HBO

State the fire-safety requirements for hyperbaric chambers, including the control of ignition sources and the oxygen concentration limits inside the chamber

Explain the roles and responsibilities of chamber operators, inside attendants, and the safety director during a treatment

Describe the standards governing hyperbaric facility design, pressure-vessel inspection, and maintenance intervals

Identify the reporting requirements and documentation standards for adverse events and near-misses in hyperbaric practice

Summarize the key provisions of diving medical standards and fitness-to-dive frameworks used by occupational and recreational diving bodies

Apply the fitness-to-dive assessment framework to at least five common conditions (asthma, epilepsy, diabetes, cardiac disease, pregnancy) and justify the decision in each

Explain the medical and legal principles behind dive medical clearance and the consequences of inappropriate clearance

Describe the roles of the diving medical examiner, the diving supervisor, and the diver in maintaining dive safety

Review and consolidate the DCS/AGE and oxygen-toxicity material from weeks 1–2 by answering mixed-format questions under time pressure

Identify personal weak areas from practice-question performance and rank them by exam weight

Complete two full-length timed practice exams under exam conditions and record the score for each domain

Review every missed question and write a one-line correction for each, grouped by domain

Re-derive from memory the key calculations (oxygen partial pressure, gas laws, treatment-table depth/time relationships)

Rehearse the highest-weight safety and standards facts (fire safety, chamber operation roles, reporting requirements) until recall is automatic

Build a final one-page summary sheet of the ten facts most likely to be tested and least well retained