Be Prepared To prepare yourself to handle emergencies, you need training, emergency equipment, emergency contact information and plans, and the determination to act. The first rule of first aid is to “Do no harm.” The best way to follow this rule is to keep your training in first aid, CPR, and diving rescue techniques current. Practicing with your buddy several times a year is a good way to keep your emergency skills sharp. Emergency equipment can be extensive. At a minimum, you should have a first aid kit available. A suggested contents list is in Appendix C. Other useful equipment includes an oxygen unit (if you are trained in its use), a cloth or space blanket, and a supply of clean fresh water. You must have emergency equipment ready at your dive site. Replace any equipment or supplies immediately after you use them. Oxygen is extremely valuable for treating serious diving injuries such as air embolism, DCS, and near drowning cases. Very few areas prohibit the use of oxygen equipment by non-medically trained personnel. Most areas accept training in oxygen administration by a recognized agency such as NAUI. Check with your instructor about the laws in your area. Dive boats are usually equipped with emergency oxygen systems (figure 7-10). First aid at the dive site is more effective if you can administer oxygen. You must also know how to call for help. In most areas, you need to know who to call for medical attention or medical evacuation and transport. Always be sure to know the number for summoning the local emergency service. Divers Alert Network (DAN) is a worldwide emergency network that can help provide consultation, information on hyperbaric chambers and diving physicians, transportation, and treatment through a single, 24-hour emergency telephone number: (919) 684-9111. DAN’s headquarters in the United States is in North Carolina. DAN also has emergency numbers established throughout the world to assist you with a diving emergency. Ask your NAUI instructor for the appropriate number to use in your area. Write your local emergency numbers, as well as the telephone number for DAN, on a card, and include them in your first-aid kit. The last requirement for preparation is being determined to act appropriately in an emergency. Rather than become involved, most people tend to stand by and watch as an accident occurs. You must decide in advance that you will act if you are present at the scene of a diving accident and if you are trained and competent to deal with the situation. Be sure not to interfere with professional assistance, but be ready to help if needed and capable. Basic First Aid First aid includes the following: 1. Survey the accident scene to determine if it’s safe to render aid. 2. A quick examination of the victim to determine the seriousness of the injury. 3. Immediate treatment for life-threatening emergencies such as cessation (stopping) of breathing or arterial bleeding. 4. Treatment for less serious injuries and shock. 5. Arrangements for medical care and transport. There are five major categories of injuries for which you should be prepared to administer first aid: NAUI Scuba Diver 170 Problem Solving FIGURE 7-10. HAVING AN OXYGEN UNIT AT YOUR DIVE SITE AND BEING PROPERLY TRAINED IN ITS OPERATION ARE VITAL WHEN TREATING DIVING EMERGENCIES SUCH AS AIR EMBOLISM AND DCS.
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