blackvans1234
Contributor
I am not a freediver, but more of a scuba diver. However I am a healthcare professional who is certified in CPR and AED use. Now the thing I'd like to preach to those of you here, is the importance of the head tilt chin lift of the ''blacked out'' diver. If someone has gone unconscious, mouth to mouth may be necessary to help the victim breathe. If the head is not tilted back, the airway may not be open, and so air will not pass down the trachea (windpipe) into the lungs. I'm not going to get into any of the technical jargon, but know this- This reminder to those of you trained is not theory, is proven. Want me to prove it?
I knew you would!
Freediver blackout surface video - YouTube
In this youtube video, a freediver loses consciousness while under, and her buddy(s) dives down and brings her to the surface. Upon reaching the surface, the two rescuers are seen blowing on her face to try to induce breathing. At 52 seconds into the video, the diver in the blue hood attempts two rescue breaths, both unsuccessful. Take note of two things, A) He did not pinch her nose shut (air will escape the easiest route) and B) He did not tilt her head back, to ensure the airway was opened. As a result, the two breaths were innefective. At 1:01, you can see the diver on the bottom of the screen using his right hand to help tilt her head back as the other rescuer delivers the second unsuccessful breath. After that, the diver at the bottom of the screen takes control of the situation, preforms the head tilt, pinches the nose, and delivers an effective breath. Shortly after, she begins breathing on her own
It can be hard to remember the small details that make the biggest difference, just a gentle reminder
I knew you would!
Freediver blackout surface video - YouTube
In this youtube video, a freediver loses consciousness while under, and her buddy(s) dives down and brings her to the surface. Upon reaching the surface, the two rescuers are seen blowing on her face to try to induce breathing. At 52 seconds into the video, the diver in the blue hood attempts two rescue breaths, both unsuccessful. Take note of two things, A) He did not pinch her nose shut (air will escape the easiest route) and B) He did not tilt her head back, to ensure the airway was opened. As a result, the two breaths were innefective. At 1:01, you can see the diver on the bottom of the screen using his right hand to help tilt her head back as the other rescuer delivers the second unsuccessful breath. After that, the diver at the bottom of the screen takes control of the situation, preforms the head tilt, pinches the nose, and delivers an effective breath. Shortly after, she begins breathing on her own
It can be hard to remember the small details that make the biggest difference, just a gentle reminder