I'm glad you both are ok - and this provides an excellent example where a few dollars each month can really pay off in the end... and if you flood your camera you're covered too!!! I'm glad you're both ok; I can imagine that was scary.
Warning/Disclaimer - ignorant new diver about to post about something he knows very little about...
In a past life I was a law enforcement officer and was assigned to a unit where I had the opportunity to obtain my paramedic (EMT-P) cert (I'd already had my EMT-B for 2+ years at the time). In medic class, you learn the treatment for DCS - 100% O2 and Rapid Transport to a chamber or landing zone for an air-evac (and it doesn't take a paramedic to know that!) while treating symptoms and keeping the pt. comfortable. Thinking from a dive stand-point (and perhaps this is taught in rescue... haven't gotten to that class yet and would learn it there), it seems to me that a re-compression (diving back down) and controlled decompression/acent might have aided the rescuer and the rescuee (when was it too late, requiring the full 8 hour re/decompression?). Now of course the rescuee may also be reluctant to get back in the water so that could be an issue, but in theory (and again - having an upset spouse or family member at the surface would be hard to leave) IF either or both parties could shake off the adrenline and be clear-headed enough to re-compress (perhaps with fresh tanks even) together and take the entire tank to acend if desired. Would this have aided his symptoms of DCS?
So there's my ignorant post from a novice diver who's never been in a scuba-related rescue situation (I may be WAY off - please forgive me in advance, but I just had this thought and wanted to present it for critique). I like the idea of having the world's largest hyperbaric chamber as our playground... because it's always there (assuming you're able to dive again with respect to air, injury, situational complications, etc).
Again, I'm glad you were ok and it goes to your credit for recognizing the signs and seeking treatment. I also appreciate your willingness to post and provide a real-life lesson to those of us who don't have but a handful of dives but who want to enjoy a lifetime of safe diving.
I come to the group as a VERY humble and novice diver, with no significant scuba experience, but with a strong desire to learn from those who are experienced. I just want to be clear that I am posting a question/theory for criticism and discussion, and please know that I am NOT criticizing anyone whatsoever. Someday I may be in distress, and I hope someone will come to my aid as I would them.
![prayer :prayer:](./images/smilies/icon_pray.gif)