[Diving medicine in practice - in-depth knowledge is necessary].

People dive out of fascination or for economic reasons. Today, technical devices allow us land-dwelling organisms to breathe underwater. The effect of water pressure has a significant impact on physiological processes in the organism and leads to specific pathophysiologies. A sound knowledge of this is the basis of good medical care for people who dive to depths below the surface. Based on a number of exemplary accident scenarios, the article will examine the important pathophysiologies in diving medicine. Various accident mechanisms produce gas bubbles in the body, which can lead to symptoms in the central and peripheral nervous system. Barotrauma of the lungs can have fatal consequences. The importance of maximum oxygen supply as the most important therapeutic agent in any diving incident is discussed in detail. The medical assessment of diving fitness and competent advice are of great importance for safe diving. A well-founded examination reveals individual health risks and achieves the goal of prevention.