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Toxing out! Dr. Dario Gomez
In this episode of Tech Diving On Air, host Tamara sits down with Dr. Dario Gomez, the hyperbaric and diving physician in charge of the Costamed hyperbaric chamber system and the DAN (Divers Alert Network) Liaison for Mexico.
Together, they tackle one of the most critical yet often misunderstood risks in diving: Oxygen Toxicity or commonly known as "Toxing out". Sparked by their initial meeting during Tamara’s own treatment for Decompression Sickness, this conversation covers the practical knowledge between medical theory and diver safety. Dr. Gomez breaks down the physiology and what happens when our body's protective systems go into place when oxygen partial pressure increases, he explains the delicate balance between oxygen as a life-saving treatment and a potential harmful element. From the terrifying reality of underwater seizures to the controlled environment of a hyperbaric chamber, they demystify the limits that keep divers safe.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Defining Toxicity: The difference between Pulmonary and Central Nervous System (CNS) oxygen toxicity and why divers need to worry about both of them.
- The Numbers Game: Why recreational diving limits are set at 1.4 PO2, technical diving at 1.6, and how hyperbaric chambers safely treat patients at 2.8 atmospheres.
- Anatomy of a Seizure: Understanding the role of free radicals and oxidative stress in causing a "jump start" of the brain, and what a seizure actually looks like.
- Warning Signs: How to recognize the symptoms before a convulsion occurs, including muscle twitching, tunnel vision, nausea, and confusion.
- Susceptibility Factors: Why physiology varies from person to person and how CO2 retention, or heavy exertion can lower your tolerance to oxygen.
- Emergency Response: The immediate first aid steps for DCS and toxicity symptoms, and why administering 100% oxygen on the surface is still the gold standard.
About the Guest: Dr. Dario Gomez is a specialist in hyperbaric medicine and the Medical Director for the Costamed Hyperbaric Clinic in Cozumel. As the DAN Liaison for Mexico, he is at the forefront of treating diving injuries and educating the community on dive safety. He is also an avid diver who understands the practical challenges of staying fit while diving frequently.
Connect with Dr. Dario Gomez:
- Website: https://world.dan.org/, https://www.costamed.com.mx/servicios/camara-hiperbarica
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DiversAlertNetwork
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diversalertnetwork/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/divers-alert-network/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DiversAlertNetworkTV
If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the show and share it with your dive buddy.
Changing the culture starts with a conversation.
Contact me: [email protected]
View all episodes
By Tamara AdameIn this episode of Tech Diving On Air, host Tamara sits down with Dr. Dario Gomez, the hyperbaric and diving physician in charge of the Costamed hyperbaric chamber system and the DAN (Divers Alert Network) Liaison for Mexico.
Together, they tackle one of the most critical yet often misunderstood risks in diving: Oxygen Toxicity or commonly known as "Toxing out". Sparked by their initial meeting during Tamara’s own treatment for Decompression Sickness, this conversation covers the practical knowledge between medical theory and diver safety. Dr. Gomez breaks down the physiology and what happens when our body's protective systems go into place when oxygen partial pressure increases, he explains the delicate balance between oxygen as a life-saving treatment and a potential harmful element. From the terrifying reality of underwater seizures to the controlled environment of a hyperbaric chamber, they demystify the limits that keep divers safe.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Defining Toxicity: The difference between Pulmonary and Central Nervous System (CNS) oxygen toxicity and why divers need to worry about both of them.
- The Numbers Game: Why recreational diving limits are set at 1.4 PO2, technical diving at 1.6, and how hyperbaric chambers safely treat patients at 2.8 atmospheres.
- Anatomy of a Seizure: Understanding the role of free radicals and oxidative stress in causing a "jump start" of the brain, and what a seizure actually looks like.
- Warning Signs: How to recognize the symptoms before a convulsion occurs, including muscle twitching, tunnel vision, nausea, and confusion.
- Susceptibility Factors: Why physiology varies from person to person and how CO2 retention, or heavy exertion can lower your tolerance to oxygen.
- Emergency Response: The immediate first aid steps for DCS and toxicity symptoms, and why administering 100% oxygen on the surface is still the gold standard.
About the Guest: Dr. Dario Gomez is a specialist in hyperbaric medicine and the Medical Director for the Costamed Hyperbaric Clinic in Cozumel. As the DAN Liaison for Mexico, he is at the forefront of treating diving injuries and educating the community on dive safety. He is also an avid diver who understands the practical challenges of staying fit while diving frequently.
Connect with Dr. Dario Gomez:
- Website: https://world.dan.org/, https://www.costamed.com.mx/servicios/camara-hiperbarica
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DiversAlertNetwork
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diversalertnetwork/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/divers-alert-network/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DiversAlertNetworkTV
If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the show and share it with your dive buddy.
Changing the culture starts with a conversation.
Contact me: [email protected]