NAUI Master Scuba Diver 180 Rescue and Emergency Procedures LEARNING GOALS In this chapter you will: 1. Be introduced to the terms presented in bold letters. 2. Learn five options for emergency ascents, including the advantages and disadvantages of each. 3. Read about five signs that indicate a diver is on the verge of panic. 4. Learn the six steps in rescue preparation. 5. Read about the technique for recovering a submerged victim. 6. Learn the ten steps in accident management. EMERGENCY ASCENTS When faced with a problem; stop, think, and then act. Problems such as loss of a mask or fin can be solved under water and should not require an emergency ascent. An emergency ascent is one in which the diver ascends directly to the surface to avoid a life-threatening circumstance, such as a medical condition, some mechanical problem, or an environmental threat. The most frequent reason for an emergency ascent among recreational divers is an out-of-air emergency. An outof air emergency is usually preventable by adequate dive planning and instrument monitoring. A skilled, competent, advanced diver will consciously decide to eliminate this hazard by never allowing such an event to occur. The out-of-air diver has gone through the last few increasingly-restrictive breaths and has arrived at the no-air point after exhaling and attempting to inhale. Remind yourself firmly that no matter how it feels, there is air in your lungs and that amount of air is sufficient to start the emergency ascent procedure. Several choices face the out-of-air diver. All involve pre-planning, conscious thought, avoidance of panic, and a practiced skill. The skills learned in your entry level scuba class require continuing practice to retain proficiency. Practice and overlearning the skills necessary to safely conduct emergency out-of-air ascents are important factors in avoiding panic. These skills should be practiced under the supervision of an instructor. The first decision to be made is whether to go to the surface by yourself (independent ascent) or contact your buddy for assistance (dependent ascent). Independent Ascents There are some circumstances under which an independent method is preferred. For example, if you are unsure of your buddy’s ability and willingness to render assistance, if the surface is closer to you than your buddy, if you are in fairly shallow water (12 m 40 ft or less), or if you have a redundant scuba system. Redundant System Ascent This ascent requires a second, independent source of air. Often consisting of a small cylinder and extra regulator, the redundant system may provide enough air to make an emergency ascent, and it may be the safest way to deal with an out-of-air emergency. One common unit consists of a cylinder containing 400 to 1100 L (15 to 40 cubic feet) of air that is attached to the primary cylinder. Disadvantages include the cumbersome surface weight of the system, increased resistance underwater, and cost and maintenance considerations. In an out of air situation, the diver switches second FIGURE 6-1. SPARE AIR
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