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Handling Scuba Emergencies

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· Surfacing an unconscious diver

1. First, make sure the regulator is still in the victim’s mouth and hold it in place throughout the ascent.

2. Hold the victim near the head and try to have them maintain an upright position throughout the ascent.

3. The rescuer should control buoyancy with his BC and maintain a proper level of buoyancy throughout the ascent.

4. After surfacing, plane the victim so he can be removed from the water.

5. The most important thing is getting the victim to the surface, so as a last resort, ditch the victim’s weights to allow him to reach the surface.

· Rescuing a surfaced unconscious diver

1. First, get the victims face out of the water.

2. Inflate the victims BC to keep him afloat.

3. Check for breathing and perform CPR if necessary.

4. Remove the victim from the water.

· Locating a missing diver

1. Try to recall the last place the diver was seen.

2. Assign other divers to watch the area where the diver was last seen.

3. Send out snorkelers to the area where the area where the diver was last seen.

4. Try to determine if the diver left the area without telling anyone.

5. Gather another team of divers to perform a more systematic and comprehensive search.

References

http://www.thescubaguide.com

http://www.scuba-doc.com

http://scuba.about.com/cs/safetyhealth/a/safetytips.htm

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