Rescuing an unconscious diver underwater.

[MauiScubaSteve]

AG(?) had an unconscious or toxing student at depth that needed to be saved?

 

[PfcAJ]

Here's an example of how to do it right. AG actually saved one of his student's a number of years back like this.

YouTube - toxing diver rescue

If the reg is in the victims mouth, leave it in there. If not, then CONSIDER (depth, distance to exit, ascent time, etc) getting another reg in their mouth, but don't swap it out. There are times when getting a reg into their mouth will just slow down the process.

Also, horizontal positioning provided more surface area in the direction of travel (up) and aids in controlling the ascent. A person shot to the surface (if you lose them) has little chance of making it, and chances are slim already, so control really matters.

An expeditious, but controlled, ascent while keeping the airway open and getting the unconscious diver on the boat/shore/ and to prompt medical care is most important in any recuse situation.

 

[zaberman1]

In the video, it looks like the toxing diver is carrying some type of deco gas. What training scenario is this video filming; divers with a ceiling or diving recreationally? If it were the former, I can see why the new regulator was placed in the divers mouth though the priority is to get that diver to the surface safely! Even if it means shooting an emergency bag and having surface support take him (if you still had extensive deco remaining). The latter scenario does not demand replacing the divers regulator with a new one, just holding it in place (if its still in) and keeping the airway clear upon ascent (see above). That said, dealing with a toxing diver is a bit of an interesting story as some recommend waiting until the seizure stops and others say just bring them up.

 

[boomx5]

If the reg is in the victims mouth, leave it in there. If not, then CONSIDER (depth, distance to exit, ascent time, etc) getting another reg in their mouth, but don't swap it out. There are times when getting a reg into their mouth will just slow down the process.

Absolutely! And in this example the toxing diver spits his reg out, and AG replaces it with his.

 

[boomx5]

AG(?) had an unconscious or toxing student at depth that needed to be saved?

Yes...it was a long when he was the training director for GUE. I think it was the shop owner that toxed somehow. It's really old news.

 

[muddiver]

In the video, it looks like the toxing diver is carrying some type of deco gas. What training scenario is this video filming; divers with a ceiling or diving recreationally? If it were the former, I can see why the new regulator was placed in the divers mouth though the priority is to get that diver to the surface safely! Even if it means shooting an emergency bag and having surface support take him (if you still had extensive deco remaining). The latter scenario does not demand replacing the divers regulator with a new one, just holding it in place (if its still in) and keeping the airway clear upon ascent (see above). That said, dealing with a toxing diver is a bit of an interesting story as some recommend waiting until the seizure stops and others say just bring them up.

Oxtox is caused by a high PO2 due to being too deep and/or deeper than your tollerance to high oxygen partial pressure. One should not wait for the event to subside at depth because the outcome is either death or drowning. The toxing diver must be brought to a shallower depth to releave the PO2 causing the event.

Then, without hesitation, the dive shuould be taken to the surface, in a slow and safe manner, for medical evaluation. Either way the dive is terminated.

 

[boulderjohn]

Although the mechanics are similar, a toxing diver rescue is different from an unconscious diver rescue in several very important ways. Most importantly is the fact that the toxing diver is going through a tonic/clonic seizure, which greatly affects your actions as to when and how you ascend. An unconscious diver can and should be brought directly to the surface without any such concern.

Next, with the toxing diver, you are hoping the diver will be breathing during the sleep phase of the seizure. If you read the account of Andrew's rescue, you will see that this must have happened, given the amount of time the rescue took and the lack of consequences for the diver. This makes giving the diver a working regulator important. An unconscious diver is likely not breathing at any time in the ascent.

Finally, whether or not you are diving doubles makes a huge difference. With singles, you can control the diver easily by locking your knees around the tank and then using the inflator to manage the ascent speed. You can't do that with doubles, and managing the diver is much more challenging.

 

[InTheDrink]

Finally, whether or not you are diving doubles makes a huge difference. With singles, you can control the diver easily by locking your knees around the tank and then using the inflator to manage the ascent speed. You can't do that with doubles, and managing the diver is much more challenging.

What's the best approach then to surface an unconscious diver on doubles?

Thx,
J

 

[boulderjohn]

What's the best approach then to surface an unconscious diver on doubles?

Thx,
J

Lynn mentioned some of it--get yourself negative on top of the diver. Make sure the diver's dry suit vent is fully open. I like to lock my elbows on the two posts of the manifold for control. Start getting the diver buoyant with the inflator hose--after that you are looking primarily to vent to slow the ascent.

It is easy for the diver to go too vertical and even flip backwards. If you start moving the diver forward as you begin the ascent it helps.

 

[boomx5]

If you read the account of Andrew's rescue, you will see that this must have happened, given the amount of time the rescue took and the lack of consequences for the diver.

Hey John,

Do you have a copy of AG's report on he rescue? My copy is on my other laptop that has a damaged screen from an unfortunate accident with my son's airsoft gun.