What is the primary cause of an air embolism in divers?

The primary cause of an air embolism in divers is closely associated with panic and breath-holding during ascent. When a diver is ascending, the pressure decreases rapidly, allowing dissolved gases in the body to form bubbles as they come out of solution. If a diver panics and holds their breath during this ascent, the expanding air in their lungs cannot escape, leading to a significant increase in pressure within the lungs. This increase can cause lung over-expansion and result in the air escaping into the bloodstream, which is what constitutes an air embolism.

The correct understanding of this situation emphasizes the importance of controlled ascent and proper breath management. Divers are trained to exhale continuously while ascending to avoid the risk of holding their breath, which can prevent the formation of dangerous air bubbles. This is why maintaining composure and adhering to safe practices during ascent is crucial for divers, especially in preventing incidents such as air embolisms.