vjongene
Contributor
Here is what we are being taught (CMAS procedures), for a diver found unconscious 20-40 m below the surface without a reg in his mouth:ScubaFreak:"Ok guys, throw some points my about what kinda things you've to do while lifting an unconscious diver from the bottom."
And then I hear...
"If the reg isn't in the divers mouth, put in your octopus and purge it".
So what about you lot? Are you gonna stick an octopus into the unconscious divers mouth and purge??
- grab diver from behind, and secure one arm through BC strap to make sure you don't lose hold
- check that the unconscious diver still has air, purge his reg to remove as much water as possible, then stick it into his mouth; use your own reg if he is also OOA or close
- start the ascent procedure while holding the reg in the diver's mouth and pulling his head slightly back, but never purge the reg
- keep visual contact by looking from above (remember, you are behind an unconscious diver), be ready to help with breathing if necessary
- when getting within 10 m of the surface, gently force exhalation to avoid AGE
- call for help and start towing as soon as you reach the surface
I don't think that you have much of a chance of safely getting an unconscious diver to the surface from 40 m if you don't give him a chance to breathe. From 10 m down, just grabbing him and getting him to the surface is certainly the best course.