Point-of-care ultrasound for diving emergencies: A comprehensive review

Diving-related medical emergencies can lead to life-threatening complications if not promptly diagnosed and treated. This narrative review explores the most common conditions, including decompression sickness, pneumothorax, immersion pulmonary edema, arterial and venous gas embolisms, and subcutaneous emphysema. The variability in clinical presentations and the urgency of intervention highlight the limitations of traditional diagnostic methods, particularly in out of hospital settings. Increasing attention has been drawn to the use of ultrasonographic techniques, especially point-of-care ultrasound, as a reliable and efficient tool for initial evaluation. Its portability, real-time imaging capability, and minimal infrastructure requirements make it especially suitable for diving incidents occurring far from advanced medical facilities. However, inconsistencies in diagnostic protocols and the lack of epidemiological data, particularly in countries like Poland, continue to challenge effective triage and treatment. This review advocates for greater integration of ultrasonography in diving medicine, improved training for healthcare personnel in coastal regions, and further research to standardize diagnostic approaches and enhance diver safety worldwide.