What does the "R" in the CAR acronym represent?

The "R" in the CAR acronym stands for Recompression Chamber Operations, which is a critical component of dive medicine and emergency response protocols. Recompression chambers are specialized facilities used to treat divers suffering from decompression sickness, also known as "the bends." When divers ascend too quickly after a dive, inert gases (primarily nitrogen) can form bubbles in their bloodstream, leading to various symptoms and potential health risks.

Recompression therapy involves administering pure oxygen in a pressurized environment, which helps to reduce the size of these gas bubbles and facilitate their absorption back into the body. The operations associated with these chambers require trained personnel and specific protocols to ensure effective treatment. It’s vital for divers to understand these operations because timely access to recompression services can mean the difference between a quick recovery and serious complications from decompression sickness.