Handling Narcosis

[scubastudy.org]

Hi, thanks for your comments,

Yes, temperature was one of the factors I was concerned about when I designed the dive protocol. I varied the descent rate (5 or 15 m/min) and the maximum temperature recorded regularly was 102deg F/ 39deg C ! Very hot indeed. The maximum 'depth' achieved was 118ft/ 36m. Participants carried out various tasks whilst there, thankfully not with the fire hoses though! That would be a great way to cool the chamber down though (can't see the ethics committee goining for it though :no )

I'm looking to vary the bottom time on my next study by extending it to fit in more varied tasks, once I've worked out what to try out next. Does the USC chamber carry out research, or is it there for emergency recompressions/ treatments?

Also do you know of any other chambers used for research? I'm curious about narcosis or cognitive (mental processes) studies, but generally looking to expand my contacts in hyperbarics,

Thanks again for your reply,

regards Graham

 

[shoredivr]

200 ft educational chamber ride, PM sent

188 min run time

 

[bletso]

My answer to handling narcosis is to dive helium based mixes. A rebreather goes a long way in affordability of trimix.

I have been narced bad in 95 ffw and at other times I have been relatively clear headed at 150 ffw. There is great variability in each individual and from day to day.

CO2 build up is a great contributor to getting narced.

Dale

 

[Cacia]

Assuming you are narced and did not see it coming, I fall back on what I know. It's like a mantra...

A pre-set systems check that corrals my mind back to where I need to be, so that I can begin a rational ascent.

If my computer is not making sense (just one example, it is usually my camera), I check my air gauge while ascending 30 ft or so. I pause there for a minute and just focus on my breath and try and think pleasant thoughts. That usually helps and then I proceed to the next "step"...ascending another 30 ft, where I do the same. If I am in current, I assure myself that I don't need to fight it because I will be blowing my SMB soon. Once I am at about 40-50 ft, I go ahead and deploy it because it makes me feel better that someone in the boat is probably going to see it, and the mere act of holding the cave line makes me feel centered very quickly.

Now, my mind is usually getting clear and so I start to make sense of my numbers, observing the time I need to serve, and confirming the air I have left. I am usually past the tough part by then, but I continue my slow ascent and once I'm at 15 ft, I take my max time, just in case I erred while I was in a fog.

It doesn't involve Helium, and sometimes it doesn't even involve a buddy but it's an honest answer and I begin the process as soon as I realize I'm not *computing*. I really fight obsessing on the numbers at depths over 120...if I'm fixated on the numbers for some reason, I fall back on this ascent plan, focusing on tasks like preparing my SMB, etc. The goal, for me, is to avoid mental *field trips*.

"Don't hate me because I'm stupid"

I'm of the opinion that even TriMix divers should have a "bad trip" mental plan, because you never know when the bogey man might appear.
I'm not sure corralling one's mind, in increments, is not safer, in the long run...

Are there any solo tech divers, just out of curiosity?
I wonder sometimes, if you always have a buddy or a team and the optimal gases that keep you "clear"....do you handle being "unclear" as well??

 

[dumpsterDiver]

Are there any solo tech divers, just out of curiosity?
I wonder sometimes, if you always have a buddy or a team and the optimal gases that keep you "clear"....do you handle being "unclear" as well??

I do solo dives around 180 to 200 feet on air... If that is what you are asking...

 

[wedivebc]

Are there any solo tech divers, just out of curiosity?
I wonder sometimes, if you always have a buddy or a team and the optimal gases that keep you "clear"....do you handle being "unclear" as well??

Lots of tech divers dive solo. In fact many who are pushing the extreme limits are.

 

[Bismark]

Lots of tech divers dive solo. In fact many who are pushing the extreme limits are.

It is hard enough to find one person silly enough to do some of those very extreme things. Odds are rather against finding two or more.............

That being said, lots of what today establishes the parameters of "silly" was "discovered" by these earlier divers. Same with just about everything.... flying. (yeager), climbing (Hillary).....etc

 

[texdiveguy]

Are there any solo tech divers, just out of curiosity?
I wonder sometimes, if you always have a buddy or a team and the optimal gases that keep you "clear"....do you handle being "unclear" as well??

I do some 'solo' technical diving at times. Many wreck penetration divers dive solo on entry/mission....can't say about caver but I am guessing there are 'solo' divers in those ranks also.