What are the symptoms of decompression sickness. How is decompression sickness treated. What are the signs of the bends in divers. When should a diver seek medical attention for suspected DCS. How can divers prevent decompression sickness.

What is Decompression Sickness (DCS)?

Decompression sickness (DCS), commonly known as “the bends,” is a condition that can affect scuba divers and others exposed to rapid changes in pressure. It occurs when dissolved gases, primarily nitrogen, form bubbles in the body’s tissues and bloodstream during ascent from a high-pressure environment to a lower-pressure one.

What causes decompression sickness? DCS results from inadequate decompression following exposure to increased pressure. This can happen after seemingly uneventful dives within accepted no-decompression limits, but it’s more likely to occur after dives involving rapid ascents or when flying too soon after diving.

Recognizing the Symptoms and Signs of DCS

Identifying decompression sickness early is crucial for prompt treatment and better outcomes. Symptoms can appear immediately after surfacing or up to 24 hours later, with most cases presenting between 15 minutes and 12 hours post-dive.

Common Symptoms of Decompression Sickness

• Unusual fatigue
• Itchy skin
• Joint and muscle pain in arms, legs, or torso
• Dizziness and vertigo
• Ringing in the ears
• Numbness and tingling sensations
• Paralysis
• Shortness of breath

Observable Signs of DCS

• Blotchy rash on the skin
• Muscle weakness or paralysis
• Difficulty urinating
• Confusion or personality changes
• Bizarre behavior
• Staggering or unsteady gait
• Coughing up bloody, frothy sputum
• Collapse or loss of consciousness

Why is it important to recognize these symptoms and signs quickly? Early detection and treatment of DCS can significantly improve the chances of a full recovery and prevent long-term complications.

Emergency Response to Suspected Decompression Sickness

When a diver is suspected of having DCS, immediate action is crucial. The first step in treating decompression sickness is to administer 100% oxygen as soon as possible. This helps to reduce the size of nitrogen bubbles and enhance their elimination from the body.

How should you assess the severity of DCS? The condition can be categorized into three levels of urgency: emergency, urgent, and timely cases.

Emergency DCS Cases

What constitutes an emergency DCS situation? A diver experiencing profound dizziness, intermittent consciousness, weakness, abnormal gait, or breathing difficulties is considered a medical emergency. In such cases:

1. Administer 100% oxygen immediately
2. Arrange emergency evacuation to the nearest medical facility
3. Contact emergency medical services first, then reach out to Divers Alert Network (DAN)

Why is it important to stabilize the diver at a medical facility before transporting them to a hyperbaric chamber? Severe DCS can be life-threatening, and the diver may require immediate medical interventions that can only be provided in a hospital setting.

Urgent DCS Cases

How do you identify an urgent case of DCS? A diver experiencing severe, constant, or increasing pain falls into this category. The recommended course of action includes:

1. Placing the diver on 100% oxygen
2. Providing fluids to maintain hydration
3. Contacting DAN or the nearest medical facility for guidance
4. Conducting a neurological examination and documenting the results
5. Collecting information about recent diving activities

What information should you gather about the diver’s recent activities? Document details such as dive depths, times, ascent rates, surface intervals, breathing gas used, and any problems experienced during or after the dives.

Timely DCS Cases

What characterizes a timely case of DCS? These are instances where symptoms develop slowly over multiple days or when the diver has vague complaints of pain or abnormal sensations. The approach for timely cases involves:

1. Conducting a neurological assessment
2. Collecting information about recent diving activities
3. Contacting DAN or a medical professional for advice
4. Seeking evaluation at the nearest medical facility

The Importance of Proper Diagnosis and Treatment

Why is it crucial to seek medical evaluation even if symptoms appear to improve? Denial is considered one of the worst “symptoms” of DCS, as it can lead to delayed treatment and potentially permanent injuries. Emergency oxygen can cause temporary symptom relief, but it is not a substitute for proper medical evaluation and treatment.

What are the potential consequences of untreated or inadequately treated DCS? Delayed or insufficient treatment can result in long-term neurological deficits, chronic pain, and other complications that may affect a diver’s quality of life and ability to continue diving safely.

Advanced Treatment Options for Decompression Sickness

What is the primary treatment for severe cases of decompression sickness? Recompression therapy in a hyperbaric chamber is the gold standard for treating severe DCS. This treatment involves exposing the patient to high atmospheric pressure, typically 2.8 to 6 atmospheres absolute (ATA), while breathing pure oxygen.

How does recompression therapy work? The increased pressure helps to reduce the size of nitrogen bubbles in the body’s tissues and bloodstream. Breathing pure oxygen at high pressure also accelerates the elimination of nitrogen from the body and promotes healing of damaged tissues.

Types of Recompression Protocols

• US Navy Treatment Table 6: A standard protocol lasting about 5 hours
• US Navy Treatment Table 5: A shorter protocol for less severe cases
• Comex 30: An intensive treatment used for severe neurological DCS
• Customized tables: Tailored treatments based on the patient’s specific condition and response

Why might multiple recompression treatments be necessary? In some cases, a single treatment may not fully resolve symptoms, and additional sessions may be required to achieve complete recovery.

Prevention Strategies for Decompression Sickness

How can divers reduce their risk of developing DCS? While it’s impossible to completely eliminate the risk, several preventive measures can significantly reduce the likelihood of experiencing decompression sickness:

1. Follow conservative dive profiles and ascent rates
2. Use dive computers and adhere to their decompression guidelines
3. Perform safety stops at 15-20 feet for 3-5 minutes, even on no-decompression dives
4. Stay well-hydrated before, during, and after diving
5. Avoid alcohol consumption before and immediately after diving
6. Maintain good physical fitness and a healthy body weight
7. Allow adequate surface intervals between dives
8. Avoid flying or ascending to altitude for at least 24 hours after diving

What role does proper dive planning play in preventing DCS? Careful planning, including consideration of depth, bottom time, and ascent rate, is crucial for minimizing the risk of decompression sickness. Divers should also factor in their individual risk factors, such as age, fitness level, and any pre-existing medical conditions.

The Role of Dive Insurance and Emergency Assistance

Why is dive insurance important for scuba divers? Dive insurance provides financial protection and access to expert medical advice in case of diving-related emergencies, including decompression sickness. It can cover the costs of emergency medical treatment, hyperbaric therapy, and medical evacuation, which can be extremely expensive without insurance.

What services does Divers Alert Network (DAN) offer? DAN provides:

• 24/7 emergency hotline for diving-related medical advice
• Dive accident insurance coverage
• Access to a network of diving medicine specialists
• Education and research on dive safety
• Assistance with arranging emergency medical transportation

How can divers prepare for potential emergencies? In addition to obtaining dive insurance, divers should:

1. Familiarize themselves with emergency procedures and local resources at dive locations
2. Carry a dive accident management slate with emergency contact information
3. Learn how to perform neurological assessments
4. Practice emergency oxygen administration techniques
5. Maintain current CPR and first aid certifications

Ongoing Research and Advancements in DCS Treatment

What new developments are occurring in the field of decompression sickness treatment and prevention? Researchers and medical professionals are continuously working to improve our understanding and management of DCS. Some areas of ongoing research include:

• Development of more accurate decompression algorithms
• Investigation of genetic factors that may influence susceptibility to DCS
• Exploration of pharmacological interventions to prevent or treat DCS
• Improvement of recompression protocols and adjunctive therapies
• Study of long-term effects of subclinical decompression stress

How might these advancements impact the future of diving? As our knowledge of DCS pathophysiology and treatment options expands, we can expect to see improvements in dive safety, more personalized decompression strategies, and potentially new therapeutic approaches for managing decompression injuries.

The Importance of Continued Education

Why is ongoing education crucial for divers? The field of dive medicine is constantly evolving, and staying informed about the latest research and best practices can help divers make better decisions to protect their health and safety. Dive organizations and training agencies regularly update their guidelines based on new scientific evidence, and it’s important for divers to stay current with these changes.

What resources are available for divers to stay informed about DCS and dive safety? Divers can access up-to-date information through:

• Continuing education courses offered by dive training agencies
• Scientific publications and dive medicine journals
• Workshops and seminars at dive shows and conferences
• Online resources provided by organizations like DAN and other dive safety groups
• Dive club presentations and local dive community events

By staying informed and prioritizing safety, divers can continue to enjoy the underwater world while minimizing the risks associated with decompression sickness. Remember, the best treatment for DCS is prevention, and knowledge is a key component of effective prevention strategies.

Treating Decompression Sickness (The Bends)

Decompression sickness (DCS) is one of the most common problems reported to Divers Alert Network^® (DAN^®). Although scuba diving accidents are rare, it’s important to know how to handle suspected cases of DCS. Your ability to take appropriate action can make a difference in the life of someone you care about.

What is Decompression Sickness?

DCS, also known as the bends, describes a variety of injuries that result from inadequate decompression following exposure to increased pressure. This can occur following uneventful dives within accepted no-decompression limits but is more likely after dives that involve a rapid underwater ascent. DCS can also be prompted by ascending in an airplane too soon after diving. When there is a rapid decrease in surrounding pressure, nitrogen absorbed by the body at depth comes out of solution, creating bubbles in the bloodstream and/or body tissues.

Symptoms of DCS can occur immediately after surfacing or up to 24 hours later. On average a diver with DCS will experience symptoms between 15 minutes and 12 hours following a dive.

Symptoms of DCS

• Unusual fatigue
• Itchy skin
• Pain in the joints and/or muscles of the arms, legs or torso
• Dizziness, vertigo and ringing in the ears
• Numbness, tingling and paralysis
• Shortness of breath

Signs of DCS

• Blotchy rash
• Muscle weakness or paralysis
• Difficulty urinating
• Confusion, personality changes or bizarre behavior
• Staggering
• Coughing up bloody, frothy sputum
• Collapse or unconsciousness

How to Treat a Diver with Suspected DCS

If you suspect a diver has DCS, provide emergency oxygen right away. Next, determine the severity of their condition (emergency, urgent or timely) by following the guidelines below:

Emergency DCS

A diver who is profoundly dizzy, intermittently conscious, weak, walking with an abnormal gait or having trouble breathing is experiencing a serious medical emergency. Administer 100 percent oxygen, and arrange emergency evacuation to the nearest medical facility.

Always contact emergency medical services first, then contact DAN. Although a diver with severe DCS requires recompression, it is essential that he or she be stabilized at the nearest medical facility before transportation to a chamber.

Urgent DCS

A diver experiencing severe pain that is either constant or increasing should be placed on 100 percent oxygen and given fluids. The next step is to contact DAN or the nearest medical facility. Emergency air transportation may not be necessary in all cases. Do not give the diver analgesics (pain relievers) unless advised to do so by medical personnel.

After obtaining professional medical advice, conduct a neurological exam and write down as much information as you can about the diver’s recent diving activity. A neurological exam can be done by anyone; no medical experience or training is required. Simply follow the on-site neuro exam directions found here. Ask the diver about any diving activities within the past 48 hours, including depths, times, ascent rates, surface intervals, breathing gas used and any problems experienced during or after the dives.

Obtain as much info as you can without delaying transportation to a medical treatment facility. If time allows, the following additional information may aid medical professionals with diagnosis and treatment:

• Symptom onset times and progression after the diver surfaced from their last dive
• A list of all first aid measures taken (including times and method of oxygen delivery) and their effect on symptoms
• A description of any joint or other musculoskeletal pain including location, intensity and changes based on movement or weight-bearing maneuvers
• Photos of any rashes with a detailed description of their location
• Information about any traumatic injuries sustained before, during or after the dive

Timely Cases of DCS

Divers who do not have obvious symptoms or whose symptoms develop slowly over multiple days may have a “timely” case of the bends. Common signs and symptoms may include vague complaints of pain or abnormal sensations.

Follow the steps described previously under “Urgent DCS” to conduct a neurological assessment and collect information about the diver’s recent activity. Next, contact DAN or a medical professional, or go to the nearest medical facility for advice and further evaluation.

Denial: The Worst Symptom of DCS

Denial is arguably the worst “symptom” of DCS. Delayed treatment can lead to permanent injury and prolong (or even prevent) the diver’s full recovery. Emergency oxygen can cause symptoms to temporarily improve only to reappear later — it is no substitute for a medical evaluation. Always contact DAN or a medical professional with training in dive medicine in cases of suspected DCS — even if the symptoms and signs appear to have resolved. 

Be Prepared, Get Insured

Dive accidents can happen to anyone, not just newly certified divers. According to a recent DAN Annual Diving Report, nearly 600 divers contacted DAN with concerns about DCS, and divers with 21-60 logged dives were the most likely to report a diving incident. Learn more about the Top 5 Factors That Increase a Diver’s Risk of Getting the Bends.

Many medical insurance plans cover only the cost of hyperbaric treatments and not the cost of getting you to the chamber (the average cost for an air ambulance is around US$20,000). Ensure you have protection against the unexpected by purchasing DAN Dive Accident Insurance.  

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Bence-Jones protein in urine, quantitative (urine immunofixation)

Detection of free light chains of immunoglobulins (Bence-Jones protein) in urine, used to diagnose monoclonal gammopathies, including multiple myeloma.

Synonyms Russian

Free light chains of immunoglobulins in urine, M-gradient.

Synonyms English

Bence-Jones protein, Urine (immunofixation)

Free light chains, Urine

Urinary FLC

Research method

Immunofixation.

Which biomaterial can be used for research?

Daily urine, mid-morning urine.

General information about the study

Bence-Jones protein is a group of monoclonal free immunoglobulin light chains that can be detected in urine or blood. Their appearance is characteristic of lymphoproliferative diseases such as multiple myeloma. This feature was first described by the English physician Henry Bence-Jones while examining a urine sample, which gave it its name. Subsequently, it became known that the Bence-Jones protein is, in fact, a homogeneous group of free light chains of immunoglobulins synthesized by a single plasma cell (monoclonal). The Bence-Jones protein is the collective name for monomers, dimers, tetramers, and other polymeric structures made up of immunoglobulin light chains.

Free chains of immunoglobulins are polypeptides with a molecular weight of 22 kDa, which are synthesized by plasma cells and, when combined with heavy chains, form immunoglobulin molecules of various classes: IgG, IgM, IgA and others. Depending on the structure of the constant domain, two classes of light chains are distinguished – lambda (λ) and kappa (κ) chains. Each immunoglobulin can have only one class of light chains – either lambda or kappa. Normally, plasma cells synthesize more light chains than heavy chains. Light chains that are not included in the composition of immunoglobulins are called free. Free kappa chains generally exist as a monomer, are small in size, and are therefore relatively easy to filter into primary urine. Lambda chains, in contrast, usually exist in dimeric form, making them difficult to filter in the glomerulus. In rare cases, both kappa and lambda chains can form tetramers, large complexes of proteins that do not pass into the urine. Normally, almost all of the light chains that enter the renal tubules are reabsorbed, and only a small part of them is excreted in the urine (no more than 0.75-1.8 mg / l). The appearance of an excess of free light chains of immunoglobulins in the urine (the appearance of Bence-Jones protein) may indicate their excessive production by plasma cells (gammapathies) or a violation of the process of renal reabsorption (kidney disease). Bence-Jones protein detection can be used to diagnose and monitor the treatment of these diseases.

Bence-Jones protein is determined in 50-70% of patients with multiple myeloma, 30-40% of patients with Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia and in 90% of patients with primary amyloidosis. Other conditions in which Bence-Jones protein can be observed in the urine are lymphoma, leukemia (more often chronic lymphocytic leukemia or plasma cell leukemia), pancreatic cancer, medullary thyroid carcinoma, benign gammopathy of unknown origin. In the absence of any reason for the appearance of this protein in the urine, they speak of idiopathic Bence-Jones proteinuria.

Free immunoglobulin light chains cannot be detected by routine urinalysis – special tests are used for this. As a rule, laboratory diagnostics for suspected gammopathy begins with conventional electrophoresis of plasma and urine proteins. This step is necessary to determine the concentration of the M-protein (paraprotein) and the initial differential diagnosis of gammopathy. Electrophoresis, however, is not sensitive enough. For this reason, at the second stage of the examination, a more sensitive test is recommended – urine protein immunofixation. This avoids diagnostic errors, given that gammopathy may have a normal protein electrophoresis result. The immunofixation method allows not only to detect even a small amount of free light chains, but also to determine their class (lambda or kappa chains).

As a rule, a parallel analysis of both blood and urine is performed. This is due to some features of the excretion of light chains in gammopathy. For example, most patients with clinical signs of myeloma have more than 3 g of M-protein per dl of blood on serum electrophoresis. However, approximately 20% of patients have only a slight increase in M-protein (less than 1 g per dl of blood) or even a normal level of blood immunoglobulins. Urinalysis of these patients can detect increased excretion of light chains in the urine (this myeloma is often called Bence-Jones myeloma). Thus, parallel analysis helps prevent diagnostic errors.

It should be noted that there is a special, rare form of myeloma in which light chains are not detected either in the blood or in the urine, either by electrophoresis or immunofixation (the so-called non-secreting multiple myeloma). To diagnose this form of myeloma, it is recommended to determine the ratio of free light chains of immunoglobulins λ and κ in blood serum.

Bence-Jones protein may also not be detected in urine early in the disease when excess free light chains can still be reabsorbed in the renal tubules (up to 1 g per day with normal kidney function), and in rare cases when free lungs chains form tetramers that are not filtered in the renal glomerulus.

False-positive results may occur with certain drugs (eg, high-dose aspirin and penicillin), chronic renal failure, or certain systemic diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, SLE, polymyositis).

Given these limitations of the immunofixation method, the interpretation of the results should be carried out taking into account additional anamnestic, laboratory and instrumental data.

What is research used for?

• For the diagnosis and treatment of monoclonal gammopathy (multiple myeloma, light chain disease, Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia).

When is the test ordered?

• If you suspect multiple myeloma and other diseases from the group of monoclonal gammopathy (multiple myeloma, light chain disease, Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia).

What do the results mean?

Reference values ​​

Result: not found.

No paraprotein represented by kappa/lambda light chains.

Positive result:

• primary amyloidosis;
• monoclonal gammopathy of unknown origin;
• cryoglobulinemia;
• Fanconi syndrome;
• hyperparathyroidism;
• multiple myeloma;
• osteomalacia;
• Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia;
• medullary thyroid cancer;
• adenocarcinoma of the pancreas;
• lymphoma;
• leukemia;
• Bence-Jones idiopathic proteinuria.

Negative:

• normal;
• effective treatment of the disease.

What can influence the result?

• Disease stage: Bence-Jones protein may not be detectable in urine early in the disease;
• high doses of aspirin and penicillin may result in false positives;
• the presence of systemic diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, polymyositis) and chronic renal failure may lead to a false positive result;
• The presence of lambda or kappa light chain tetramers (not excreted in urine) may result in a false negative result.

Important notes

• Immunofixation of both urine and blood proteins is recommended;
• interpretation of the results should be carried out taking into account additional anamnestic, laboratory and instrumental data.

Also recommended

[06-004] Serum albumin

[06-035] Serum total protein

[06-038] Urine total protein

[08 -010] Total immunoglobulins G (IgG ) in serum

[08-011] Total immunoglobulins M (IgM) in serum

[06-011] Protein fractions in serum

[13-056] Immunofixation of blood serum immunoglobulins with antisera IgG, A, M K, L with quantitative determination of paraprotein

Who orders the examination?

Hematologist, oncologist, internist, general practitioner.

Literature

• NauKC, LewisWD. Multiple myeloma: diagnosis and treatment. Am Fam Physician. 2008 Oct 1;78(7):853-9. review.
• Levinson SS, Keren DF. Free light chains of immunoglobulins: clinical laboratory analysis. Clinic Chem. 1994 Oct;40(10):1869-78.
• Whicher JT, Hawkins L, Higginson J. Clinical applications of immunofixation: a more sensitive technique for the detection of Bence Jones protein. J Clin Pathol. 1980 Aug;33(8):779-80.
• Chernecky C. C. Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures / C.C. Chernecky, V.J. Berger; 5th ed. – Saunder Elsevier, 2008.

Brand history: 130 years of Mercedes-Benz

Illustrations courtesy of the press service of Mercedes-Benz RUS directly associated with the very concept of “car”. And this is justified at least by the historical significance of the brand: exactly 130 years ago, the German engineer Karl Benz officially filed a patent for a “vehicle with a gasoline engine. ”

The event that marked the beginning of the history of not only the German brand, but the entire global automotive industry, occurred on January 29, 1886. It was on this day that a German engineer and innovator named Benz received patent No. 37435 for his creation – the world’s first car with a gasoline engine.

Of course, Benz’s invention was very different from the modern image of the car: in fact, he installed a four-stroke engine he developed from scratch on a tricycle.

In the same year, independently of Benz, design engineer Gottlieb Daimler created his own motorized carriage. Daimler assembled a single cylinder four-stroke internal combustion engine. It was supposed to be installed in carriages. Daimler was assisted in the development of the new technology by engineer Wilhelm Maybach. Karl Benz, Gottlieb Daimler and

Wilhelm Maybach

Both engineers founded private companies with the help of partners and investors. Benz founded Benz & Cie in Mannheim in October 1883, and Daimler founded the Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (DMG) brand in November 1890. From 1901, Daimler’s company began to produce cars under the Mercedes brand.

The legendary brand got its name from the nickname of the daughter of the Austrian businessman Emil Jellinek named Adriana (Mercedes is the girl’s nickname). Her father, Honorary Vice Consul in Monaco, was wealthy and interested in modern technology. At his request in 189In the year 7, Gottlieb Daimler installed a 6 horsepower two-cylinder engine on a vehicle. After the success of this project, he ordered 4 more copies and sold them at a profit.

The same Mercedes She had a four-cylinder engine with a volume of almost 6 liters. and a power of 35 hp. The car was characterized by a wide wheelbase, a low center of gravity and an inclined steering column.

The honeycomb-type cooler has also become a distinguishing feature of the brand. The car weighed 900 kg and had a top speed of 80 km/h. The model was designed by Wilhelm Maybach himself.

The first cars and engines of the Mercedes brand

The merger of the two most famous German manufacturers at that time took place in 1926. Thanks to the deal, the industrialists not only managed to survive in the difficult post-war period, but also significantly expanded their business.

The united concern was named “Daimler-Benz AG”, and another outstanding German designer Ferdinand Porsche became the first head, and later – the creator of another legendary Porsche brand.

All cars produced after the merger are named Mercedes-Benz, in honor of the company’s most successful car and its creator, Karl Benz.

The Daimler-Benz AG logo becomes a three-pointed star, which is framed by a wreath – the legacy of the Benz logo. In the future, this wreath will be turned into a regular circle, which is still used today. One of the simplest (and recognizable) logos in history has become a symbol of luxury and wealth.

Mercedes logo

The partnership between Benz and Daimler proved to be one of the longest in the history of the automotive industry, as both companies in this combination survived until 1998. Their first car together was the K.

At the same time, the Mercedes CCK and SSKL were born, designed by Hans Niebel. In addition to the typical sports versions, the manufacturer also offers convertibles and production models with rally-adapted bodywork.

Daimler-Benz AG produces one legendary series after another. So, under the leadership of Ferdinand Porsche, the “S” series, a new generation of sports cars, appeared. The most famous car and the progenitor of the S-series was the car that was popularly nicknamed the “Death Trap”. Having received the name “Mercedes-Benz 24/100/140”, the car had a powerful six-cylinder engine and developed a high speed for those times – up to 140 km / h.

The 18/80 HP model, known as the Nürburg 460 (1928), also received fame, equipped with an eight-cylinder engine with a displacement of 4622 cc. cm and a maximum power of 80 liters. With. at 3400 rpm; the 500K and 540K roadsters (30s) and the 770 model called Grosser Mercedes, whose first generation was built from 1930 to 1938. The model had a luxurious salon in which Adolf Hitler moved.

Advertising 770

The first model and mass production of the diesel Mercedes 260D was launched from 1936 to 1940. The 2.5 liter diesel engine had a power of 45 hp. With. Some of the cars of this brand were subsequently used by the German army.

World War II almost destroyed the Daimler-Benz AG business. All production facilities of the company were practically destroyed. Factories in Stuttgart, Sindelfingen and Mannheim literally turned into a pile of rubble. In 1945, after the final meeting of the board of directors, a report was even issued, the result of which was the idea that the Daimler-Benz concern no longer exists.

However, despite all the difficulties, Daimler-Benz AG recovered quickly enough and in 1947 launched the 170 model, which had an engine capacity of 1767 m³, 4 cylinders and a power of 52 hp. With. A car that was completely different from previous models was the Mercedes 300 – a limousine formed on a frame with crossed beams. It was equipped with a three-liter six-cylinder engine with 115 hp. s., and its special version was created for the first German Federal Chancellor Konrad Adenauer.

Among the vehicles produced by Mercedes-Benz after the Second World War, the 300 SL Coupe stands out with its characteristic winged doors that opened with part of the roof. It was the first sports car built after the war. The road version of this unusual vehicle was released in 1954.

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Coupe

In February 1954, the 300 SL appeared. March 1957 years began to produce the model 300 SL Roadster, beloved by Elvis Presley.

Cars produced in the 70-90s became iconic for the brand.

In 1975-1986, the Mercedes W123, popularly known as the “barrel”, was formed. In the 80s, the 190 model debuted, which was produced in the years from 1982 to 1993 and replaced by the C class. At the same time, the popular Mercedes W124 appeared, which was produced until 1997. After that, the W210 appears on the market, since 2002 it has been replaced by the W211, W212 versions. It is these models that are called class E.

Mercedes-Benz W211

In 1998, Mercedes buys back shares of the American company Chrysler. As a result, Daimler-Benz has gained a chance to get wider access to the US market. This agreement changed the corporate name of the company to Daimler Chrysler, the cooperation continued for almost 10 years. The decision to break off cooperation was influenced by the results of the poor financial condition of Chrysler. After the sale of the shares of the American concern, the company returns the name Daimler AG.

Today, the company manufactures Mercedes Class A, B, C and E models. The brand’s modern cars are renowned for their safety and are still considered the most prestigious in the world. Mercedes S Class even entered the Book of Records as “the most durable car that has ever been released.”

Andrey Rodionov, Head of Corporate Communication at Mercedes-Benz RUS JSC

– When 130 years ago Karl Benz applied for a patent for a “vehicle powered by a gasoline engine” it meant the birth of the automobile. In the same year, Gottlieb Daimler created his own car. Thus began the 130-year success story of Mercedes-Benz, we entered the age of speed and the global automotive industry was born.

The patent became part of the UNESCO Memory of the World program, among such well-known works as the Gutenberg Bible, Magna Carta and Symphony No. 9 in D minor by J. S. Bach. And it is no accident: the inventions of Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler, thanks to their ingenuity and entrepreneurial flair, revolutionized the field of transportation, opening up new opportunities for people.

Today’s innovations are based on the same values ​​as 130 years ago: safety, comfort, efficiency and faith in success. Thanks to them, the brand demonstrates a dynamic growth in global sales, and in Russia in 2015 it is a confident leader in the premium segment. Mercedes-Benz delights its fans with the premieres expected in Russia – this is the new intelligent E-Class, the chic GLS, the sporty SL and SLC. And, of course, new special offers.

Mercedes-Benz ads have also always stood out for their trademark execution and creativity – the brand has never spared money on marketing.

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