Infrequent Blackouts, still scuba?

[FF-EMT Diver]

She should definitley see her DR, although infrequent as you say this could be a problem with more than diving (such as driving), I have seen something similar to what you are describing (called absence seizure) where the Pt blacks out then comes back to fine with no problem she may be able to get meds for this although still not sure I would dive with this condition even treated.

 

[Walter]

I hope she's not driving either.

 

[knotical]

I’ll buck the trend of the responses seen here so far.

While it is unlikely that any traditional course could accept her, the OP has already mentioned the possible solution: a full-face mask. Before giving up, you might contact an agency like Handicap Scuba Association or IAHD 10 year Anniversary

 

[DandyDon]

A great friend of mine wants to learn scuba but she has an occasional medical problem in which once every 1-3 months she will black out for about 30 seconds.

Although the chances of it happening while diving are very slim, it is still a risk which would probably disqualify her during the dive medical. Would she be able to get an approval if her equipment mitigated the risks during such a blackout? ie: full face mask

She doesn't have fits or seizures or stop breathing and just goes limp during the blackouts.

Is this a troll?

I hope she's not driving either.

My next thot.

I’ll buck the trend of the responses seen here so far.

While it is unlikely that any traditional course could accept her, the OP has already mentioned the possible solution: a full-face mask. Before giving up, you might contact an agency like Handicap Scuba Association or IAHD 10 year Anniversary

Oh cool, yeah - as long as she can breath as she until she runs out of air, drifts off in the current, sinks into the abyss, fails to aid her buddy in an emergency, ascends into the path of a boat, etc.. :silly:

Narcolepsy is contradictory to many sports.

 

[captain]

Is she cleared to drive, which I consider a greater risk to herself and others than diving just because people drive more than they dive hence more exposure time. If she is cleared to drive and is willing to assume the risk to herself and her buddy is informed and is willing to assume the risk than I am not going to say no. A full face mask could be used to mitigate the risk. Whether she could fine an instructor to certify her is a separate question.

 

[Web Monkey]

A great friend of mine wants to learn scuba but she has an occasional medical problem in which once every 1-3 months she will black out for about 30 seconds.

That would depend on the exact cause and if it could be controlled. Nobody can answer that question except a qualified doctor that has examined her in person.

I'd also recommend contacting the HSA. She might be able to go diving with a properly trained buddy and the right equipment.

Terry

 

[Gombessa]

A bit off topic, but...forget diving, does this friend drive? I don't know what normal practice is for people in similar situations (those suffering from occasional seizures, for instance), but if she is well-informed about the risks and is still willing to seriously consider diving, I wonder if she's putting herself and others at risk in other day to day activities?

And on the flipside - how infrequent is infrequent enough? What if it's once a year? Once every few years? Infrequent enough, and it's almost like dozing off at the wheel-similarly dangerous, but has probably happened to everyone once or twice...at what point would you proscribe your activities, or determine that the risk is remote?

 

[tc]

I’ll buck the trend of the responses seen here so far.

While it is unlikely that any traditional course could accept her, the OP has already mentioned the possible solution: a full-face mask. Before giving up, you might contact an agency like Handicap Scuba Association or IAHD 10 year Anniversary

I'm an HSA instructor- Seizure disorder (Or something producing similar results as in this case) is a contraindication even for them.

HSA opens doors for as many folks as they possibly can- by training both the diver and their buddy how to adapt and overcome. But a situation like this has no safe adaptation- it's putting the persons life at risk.

Unless a way can be found to RELIABLY control the condition it's simply to great of a risk.

 

[Thalassamania]

I'd talk to her Doc, to a Diving Doc and then the HSA. She has no business in the "normal" diving progression.

 

[AbyssalPlains]

She probably doesn't drive, does she? If she does, she might as well dive.