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Chapter 6- Rescue and Emergency Procedures Rescue and Emergency Procedures 187 and feel to make sure the mouth and throat are clear, and begin artificial respiration, which consists of two full breaths initially, then one breath every five seconds. Some rescuers prefer a cycle of two breaths every ten seconds, which can facilitate faster transport of the diver. It is good practice to be exhaling through your mouth before establishing mouth-to-mouth contact, and that you continue to exhale until contact is broken. This will keep sputum and vomitus out of your mouth. Do everything possible to keep water from entering the diver’s mouth and nose. Position your back to surface chop and use mouth-to-nose rather than mouthto mouth ventilations if the water is not calm. Cover the diver’s mouth and nose if a wave passes over him or her. In-water artificial respiration can be very demanding. You will approach exhaustion in very few minutes unless you make yourself buoyant and remain as low in the water as possible. Pace yourself if you have a long distance to cover. The paramount concern is to get the victim rapidly to shore where CPR and transport to proper medical aid can be arranged. If the distance to shore is short and assistance is available there, speed of transport will take priority over ideal ventilation, after the initial inflations. Rotate the diver’s head and body toward you. It is easier and less tiring than trying to elevate yourself to a position above the victims mouth (figure 6-8). Resuscitation Resuscitation is the combination of external cardiac compressions and artificial respiration. CPR cannot be performed effectively in the water. If you suspect cardiac arrest, transport the diver to the shore or boat as quickly as possible, continuing ventilations if more than a short distance travel exists. Remove the diver from the water and place him or her on a firm surface, then commence CPR. Oxygen administration may be required. If trained personnel and equipment are available, oxygen first aid should be started as soon as possible. FIGURE 6-7. SURFACING AN UNCONSCIOUS DIVER UNDERWATER FIGURE 6-8. RESCUER ON SURFACE, GIVING ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION


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