Nitrox to an OOA Diver?

[Jax]

I'd like to hear experienced thoughts on a scenario:

I'm diving with a pony that has 40% Nitrox. My primary tank will have anything from 30% - 36% Nitrox.

I'm approached by an OOG Diver. S/he grabs my pony reg and sucks desparately.

Do I leave him or her on it, grab the victim's BC and head for the surface?

or​

Do I grab the BC, start up, and try to get him or her on my primary reg with the (probably) lower NIitrox %? After all, that is *my* emergency air s/he is consuming!

I'm figuring that since we're ascending immediately, that it really doesn't matter what percentage the individual is on, they'll be above the MOD of 40% because *I* wouldn't be near the MOD of 40%.

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

A thought and a question ...

- If an OOA diver is reaching for gas, give it to them. Even if you're below the MOD of the gas, it beats the hell out of letting them drown.

- Why are you diving a different mix in your pony bottle than in your back tank? Are you using your pony for deco?

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[tstormdiver]

Unless you are greatly beyond the MOD of the Nitrox, Ox Tox doesn't usually occur instantly. The MOD for 36% isn't huge than that for 40%. Give them the 40 & begin ascent, it is an emergency situation. That is unless you would rather air share from your back gas.

 

[Jasonmh]

If they already have a working reg, and are shallower than the MOD of the gas, i'd let them stay on it. The MOD of 40% is ~82ft, so not outside the realm of possibility for most people.

 

[piikki]

One crucial question is - are they going to stay on the pony if they aren't getting gas right away anyway? Do you dive with your pony's valve open or not?
Be pro-active and hand out the reg you want them to take when you see someone coming eyes wide open. In general, don't let a distressed diver or 'grabber' get too close and to manhandling position without noticing, so they can decide to take something you prefer not to give etc.



But let's say it happened and the victim is getting gas - I would not complicate issues by swapping unless some catastrophic sinking/ducking under way deeper was to be expected before one could begin ascent.

 

[Jax]

One crucial question is - are they going to stay on the pony if they aren't getting gas right away anyway? Do you dive with your pony's valve open or not?

You bet it's open . . . that's my emergency gas, and I want it available!

 

[Rainer]

Just put air in the pony. PPO2 that works at all depths, easy to find, cheap, and altogether that promotes practicing with it often. Or find competent buddies...

 

[Jax]

So, chances are that the victim isn't going to get oxtox by the time we ascend . . . given it is an emergency, might I assume I am also covered by Good Samaritan laws?

I could just see the lawsuit followup . . .

 

[cos]

You bet it's open . . . that's my emergency gas, and I want it available!

You may want to rethink that. An open valve allows gas to escape. Depending on where you carry the bottle you might not realize that it is leaking gas. It is much easier to open a valve than it is to recapture lots gas.

 

[RJP]

What size pony is it? How long an ascent? Enough for the "injured" diver to do a slow safe ascent and a stop on? If so, I'd keep them on it. I don't want this guy to have to give up a regulator again if not necessary. If not enough air to do slow ascent/stop, I'd get them on my back gas when convenient and if needed use the pony myself. I don't want the OOA diver to go OOA AGAIN on this dive. At that point he might be bolting and risking himself, if not you as well, if he goes into panic mode.