For divers who have made multiple dives, how long should they wait before flying or driving to altitude?

The recommended waiting period for divers before flying or ascending to altitude is 24 hours. This guideline is primarily designed to reduce the risk of decompression sickness (DCS), which can occur if a diver does not allow sufficient time for the body to off-gas excess nitrogen absorbed during multiple dives. During diving, the body takes on nitrogen at higher pressures, and as a diver ascends, this nitrogen must safely be released. If a diver chooses to fly or drive to altitude before this 24-hour window has passed, there’s a higher chance that nitrogen bubbles could form in the body due to the decreased atmospheric pressure, potentially leading to serious health issues.

This waiting period is particularly critical for divers who have completed multiple dives in a single day or deep dives, where nitrogen absorption is typically greater. Following this guideline helps ensure divers’ safety and health when transitioning from underwater to a higher altitude environment.