Decompression sickness: USAF experience 1970-80.

During the period 1970-80, there were 58 cases of decompression sickness in one of its forms reported in USAF aircrewmen. These cases occurred in a number of different types of aircraft in which cabin/cockpit depressurization occurred either intentionally (because of operational requirements) or because of mechanical malfunction. The most common manifestation of decompression sickness was bends, although some airmen experienced various degrees of neurological dysfunction. Even though none of the aircraft was lost or damaged due to crew incapacitation, the threat was clearly there. The authors briefly review decompression sickness including prevention, treatment, and aeromedical disposition.