A diver was airlifted to a Boston hospital Tuesday after experiencing symptoms consistent with decompression sickness near Fort Sewall, Marblehead Fire Chief Jason Gilliland told the Current Tuesday night.
Marblehead’s Engine 2 responded to Front Street for the medical emergency after the diver surfaced and reported feeling unwell. Fire officials requested advanced life support from Atlantic Ambulance Service and a Boston MedFlight helicopter.
Engine 1, Ladder 1, Car 1 and Marblehead police secured a landing zone at the Transfer Station where the helicopter arrived in less than 10 minutes.
The diver, who was in his 50s and whose identity was not released, was transported to a Boston-area hospital for specialized treatment.
“He came up and was not feeling right,” said Gilliland. “Engine 2 met him at the dock, and after evaluation, they realized they needed MedFlight.”
Gilliland believed the diver may have ascended too quickly, causing air bubbles to form in his bloodstream — a condition commonly known as “the bends” that can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
“From what I understood, he’s probably stable,” Gilliland said. “The response was well-coordinated. Engine 2 took care of the patient while ladder and Engine 1 prepared the landing zone.”
According to Gilliland, dive-related emergencies are uncommon in Marblehead waters. The last fatal incident occurred in July 2014, when a 58-year-old Westfield man drowned while scallop diving about 2 miles from Marblehead Harbor.
