Carbon dioxide buildup is a common contributor to diving emergencies. In this first part of a three-part series for Alert Diver (EU), I’m sharing a personal experience and take a brief look at the metabolism of carbon dioxide in the human body.

Part two will focus on how the carbon dioxide metabolism is affected by diving, and what makes hypercapnia – excess CO₂ in the bloodstream – so dangerous.

Part three will focus on countermeasures – skills and procedures to keep our CO₂ load in check.

Stay safe and stay tuned!