A Nasty incident

[Saturation]

Hi Tom,

Thanks my pleasure. This board is pretty vibrant and active.

Dr. Thomas' problem is a bit unusual. The issue of the high pp02 [among other things] that potentially saved brain function is of major interest, but we won't know until after a report is published on the analysis of his gear.

He has mentioned on this board that he uses a pony, or a stage bottle with 100% 02. I presume he wasn't breathing such a mix :

http://www.scubaboard.com/t17220/s9fd3787ee9328df1a196fe0b37fac155.html

 

[The Iceni]

gozumm once bubbled...
He has mentioned on this board that he uses a pony, or a stage bottle with 100% 02. I presume he wasn't breathing such a mix :

Good Lord No!

These were "training" dives checking out new kit in preparation for a planned Trimix course in February and an expedition to the Norwegian Fijords in June. As I indicated this was to try out my new Dive-Rite Explorer wing and once I was happy with that, to dive with one 7 litre side-slung stage cylinder as "balast" alone to satisfy myself that I was happy with trim, before using the two and of course before using eith of them them at sea.

I did not intend to breath from the stage cylinder, which contained either 50% or 100% Oxygen (without access to my kit I cannot be certain which cylinder I used; they are both currently with HSE.) It would have been stupid indeed to breath from it at depth AND to practice CBL. To attempt an uneccessary gas switch on a no deco dive when practicing a CBL would have been too much task loading so I am certain (as I can be) that I did not.

On my decompresion (no-training, wreck) dives last summer I did routinely use a 3 litre oxygen stage cylinder from 6 metres for accelerated deco with great success. Most of those dives were to a max of 40 metres with no more than 15 mins of total deco.

There must be a logical explanation for the LOC but would like to think it was not "pilot error". Much rests on my buddy's "evidence". At present I can think of none. Hovever, I have broad enough shoulders to admit my mistakes; so others can learn. -

I will publish the HSE and Police reports when they arrive.

Paul

 

[Saturation]

Hello Paul,

Thanks for the insight! Accidents are accidents, we do not mean them to happen or consciously perform whatever errors are later found out, if such errors even exist. The HSE results should be enlightening.

Thanks to you and many others for the welcome here, I replied via private email online.

Dr Paul Thomas once bubbled...


I did not intend to breath from the stage cylinder, which contained either 50% or 100% Oxygen (without access to my kit I cannot be certain which cylinder I used; they are both currently with HSE.) It would have been stupid indeed to breath from it at depth AND to practice CBL. To attempt an uneccessary gas switch on a no deco dive when practicing a CBL would have been too much task loading so I am certain (as I can be) that I did not.

On my decompresion (no-training, wreck) dives last summer I did routinely use a 3 litre oxygen stage cylinder from 6 metres for accelerated deco with great success. Most of those dives were to a max of 40 metres with no more than 15 mins of total deco.

There must be a logical explanation for the LOC but would like to think it was not "pilot error". Much rests on my buddy's "evidence". At present I can think of none. Hovever, I have broad enough shoulders to admit my mistakes; so others can learn. -

I will publish the HSE and Police reports when they arrive.

Paul

 

[BillP]

It's really good to hear from you again, Paul! I wish you the best with your recovery.

Bill

 

[Zept]

I am so pleased that you are typing again! I greatly admire your willingness to discuss the incident and understand your decision not to dive again.

May your future be full of other good things!

Zept

 

[Ber Rabbit]

Thank you for sharing your experience! I was so happy to see you're recovering! I'm glad to see you intend to continue posting here, you've been missed! We were horrified to see the report of the accident but so glad this miracle could come about and leave you with us for a while longer. Your family deserves your decision to stop diving.

One question, should a diver who is convulsing be kept at depth until the convulsions cease? I'd hate to be put in a similar situation and injure a diver by taking him to the surface too soon. I'd like to add more to the rescue portion of my OW class, what would you suggest?
Ber

 

[The Iceni]

Ber Rabbit once bubbled...
One question, should a diver who is convulsing be kept at depth until the convulsions cease? I'd hate to be put in a similar situation and injure a diver by taking him to the surface too soon. I'd like to add more to the rescue portion of my OW class, what would you suggest?
Ber

Hi Ber,

Take a look at http://www.scubaboard.com/t19127/s.html

Regards,

Paul

 

[Louie]

I'm so glad to hear that you're getting better.

Thanks so much for sharing your incredible story. I hope it makes all those with the never-will-happen-to-me casual approach to diving think a bit (there are many of them).

Personally, I feel that the PADI Rescue course is the most useful course in its application next to the Open Water in spite of the criticism it receives from those who've taken it. It's basic but teaches the most important things such as ascending with an unconscious diver while controlling buoyancy. I agree that the most fundamental elements should be encorporated into all diver training.

All the best in your continuing recovery.

 

[Butch103]

Dr. Paul......very good to see your words again ........Miracles do happen............

You are a blessed man, very kind of you to share your experience with us. I can only imagine how tough it must be to relive it for us.

Kindest regards...........

Tim

 

[bwerb]

has one question for you...she is a neurological RN and after reading your post with me had these questions for you. What was the diagnosed cause of the oedematous presentation and cause of the acute tubular necrosis?

Dr Paul Thomas once bubbled...


As planned at 15 M on ascent I practiced a controlled buoyant ascent which I am told was going very well untill we reached about 10 M when I simply lost conciousness, fell back and started to convulse. I was brought to the surface, deeply unconcious after at least 10 minutes on the bottom at 20 M by which time I had become extremely oedematous.
In coma for 3 weeks, dialysis for acute tubular necrosis (renal failure) during which time I was not allowed to drink anyrting. [/B]

She was wondering if anyone has considered an acute onset of renal failiure which led to an electrolyte imbalance which could have resulted in the seizure totally independent of anything which actully happened on the dive.

Once again, great to have you back, thanks for all your great advise. Gods Speed on your complete recovery.