What it is
An air or gas embolism happens when gas bubbles enter the bloodstream and block circulation — most often after diving accidents, certain medical procedures, or lung over-pressure injuries. Depending on where the bubbles lodge, it can mimic a stroke or heart attack and is always a medical emergency.
How hyperbaric oxygen helps
Recompression is the definitive treatment, and it works two ways at once. Pressure physically shrinks the bubbles (Boyle's law), restoring blood flow. Meanwhile, breathing 100% oxygen creates a steep gradient that flushes inert gas out of the bubbles while super-oxygenating the tissue that was starved downstream.
What treatment looks like
Treatment follows established recompression tables at 2.8–3.0 ATA, often starting with a longer first session and continuing until symptoms resolve. Time matters enormously — if you suspect a gas embolism, call 911 first, then get to the nearest 24/7 chamber.
- This is emergency medicine with decades of established practice behind it.
- Outcomes are dramatically better the sooner recompression starts.
- Insurance and Medicare cover emergency treatment.
The evidence, honestly
Grade A — Strong Evidence
Supported by randomized trials and/or decades of consistent clinical results.
Our structured research library — with every study linked from this page — arrives with the next site update. Ask us for the citations any time in the meantime.
Common questions
Is this an emergency?
Yes — always. Call 911 immediately. Hyperbaric recompression is the definitive treatment, but emergency stabilization comes first.
How fast do I need treatment?
As fast as possible. Outcomes are strongly tied to how quickly recompression begins — hours matter.
Educational content, not medical advice — see our medical disclaimer. *Medicare coverage requires meeting clinical criteria; we verify yours for free. Last medically reviewed July 2026 by Dr. David Greene, MD.