The original and most strongly validated HBOT indication — recompression therapy for divers with DCS or arterial gas embolism.
HBOT Hub — http://localhost:3003/conditions/decompression-sickness · Printed October 11, 2026 · UHMS approved · Emergency · Gold standard
GRADE Evidence Rating
Quality: HighStrong recommendation
US Navy Treatment Table 6 has decades of clinical use. RCT impractical (life-threatening emergency). Universal standard of care.
Overview
Decompression sickness and arterial gas embolism are the original and most strongly validated HBOT indications. US Navy Treatment Table 6 (60-foot-equivalent dive with oxygen breathing periods) remains the gold standard recompression protocol worldwide.
How HBOT Works
Recompression reduces bubble size by increasing ambient pressure, allowing dissolved inert gas to redistribute. Oxygen breathing eliminates nitrogen from blood (nitrogen washout) and provides tissue oxygenation to ischaemic regions. Gradual decompression allows safe elimination of the dissolved gas load without recurrence of bubbles.
Clinical Protocol
Typical protocol
US Navy Table 6 (2.8 ATA with periodic oxygen) — single acute treatment
Evidence level
Standard of care — Universal
FDA / regulatory status
Primary FDA-approved indication
Table 6: compression to 60 fsw (2.8 ATA), oxygen breathing periods alternating with air breaks, gradual decompression over 4–5 hours total. Table 6A: extended version for severe or recurrent cases, up to 8+ hours. Additional sessions as needed for persistent or recurrent symptoms.
Cautions & Considerations
Time-critical — initiate immediately on diagnosis.