Diving deaths: A multidisciplinary research model

Diving is one of the most practiced underwater activities on the Spanish coast. The most common methods used in diving activities are SCUBA (self-contained underwater breathing apparatus), CCR (closed circuit rebreather) and SCR (semi-closed circuit rebreather). Although recreational diving is safe overall, diving accidents are potentially serious and even fatal. Despite all the precautions taken by divers, fatalities related to this activity are reported every year. Drowning is the main cause of death, but others have been described, such as arterial gas embolism, decompression sickness, natural pathology, and trauma. Autopsies of SCUBA diving-related deaths are a big challenge for any forensic pathologist. It is advisable to have some knowledge about diving physiopathology and experience in the practice of special autopsy techniques. Collaboration with a multidisciplinary team provides enough information, evidence and pathological findings for highly-qualified investigation of the incidents to be able to prevent similar incidents in the future.