O2 First Aid Kit

[mccabejc]

I'm planning on getting one of those DAN O2 packs to carry with me for my regular shore dives. It's basically a 20 minute supply of pure O2, demand valve, 8.77 cu.ft. cylinder, etc., all in a neat Pelican case. Cost is about $420.

Anyone have any thoughts on other less expensive and/or better alternatives?

 

[Land Locked]

I went the less expensive route and put my kit together piece meal
from medical supply houses. I'm looking at getting the REMO kit to
supplement my limited O2 supply on a M6 tank. I used a gun case after
getting a quote from the LDS for $180.00 dollars for a pelican case.
O.K. Go ahead and say it, "CHEAPSKATE!"

 

[MB]

I'm planning on getting one of those DAN O2 packs to carry with me for my regular shore dives. It's basically a 20 minute supply of pure O2...

They are a bit pricey, but they are very cool, and well thought out. I built a couple of kits from e-bay parts, but in the long run I doubt that I saved any money. One suggestion - go for the jumbo D cylinder. There is no disadvantage to having additional O2, and the cost is not that much more.

 

[Wildcard]

No real reason to pack the extra size around with a Jumbo "D" unless your on a boat or remote area. They are pretty big. Even my 02 bag with a standard D, BVM, Assorted 02 delevery systems and intubation kit is a foot in diamater and almost three feet long.

 

[MB]

No real reason to pack the extra size around with a Jumbo "D" unless your on a boat or remote area. They are pretty big. Even my 02 bag with a standard D, BVM, Assorted 02 delevery systems and intubation kit is a foot in diamater and almost three feet long.

Jim said he wanted it for his regular shore dives. It doesn't require a lot of hauling -- mine stays in the car. And O2 is one of those things where IF you need it (and if your buddy also needs it), you don't want to scrimp.

But I agree on the bottom line - a small cylinder and setup is better than none.

 

[mccabejc]

Yeah, the 60 minute jumbo D would be nice. But DAN's cost is $150 more than the 20 minute M9 cylinder.

Ooooch.

Plus the jumbo D weighs 30 lbs, and the M9 is only about 13 lbs. Since my wife is kinda tiny, I think the smaller one might be better. Can't see her trying to run with 30 lbs from the car down to the beach. Some of the places we dive are a pretty long haul, down steep cliffs from the parking lot.

Also, I think the EMS response times in our area are 8-10 minutes or less, so allowing 5 minutes on the front end to make the call, and 5 on the back end for the EMS guys to get to the victim, a 20 minute cylinder should cover it.

 

[emtdan]

I would make sure you have some training on the equipment before buying. Dan O2 is a lot of fun.
It seems that you know all you need to know, but it is always a good think to know that you have taken...
As well, you should look into how easily you can get O2 fills if you need them, and how much they cost.
Maybe you should look @ maintance costs for the tank/ setup.

 

[mccabejc]

Yeah, we both just finished the CPR/First Aid/AED class, and are both going to take the DAN O2 class.

 

[kb2ehj]

Yeah, the 60 minute jumbo D would be nice. But DAN's cost is $150 more than the 20 minute M9 cylinder.

Ooooch.

Plus the jumbo D weighs 30 lbs, and the M9 is only about 13 lbs. Since my wife is kinda tiny, I think the smaller one might be better. Can't see her trying to run with 30 lbs from the car down to the beach. Some of the places we dive are a pretty long haul, down steep cliffs from the parking lot.

Mccabejc,

Were are you getting your weight numbers from? I'm not trying to get anything started but here are the numbers I have on tanks:

M-6 specs:
Oxygen Capacity - 170 liters
PSI - 2216
Cylinder length - 11.59 in (294 mm)
Cylinder Diameter - 3.2 in (81 mm)
Weight - 2.2 lbs (1 kg)

D specs:
Oxygen Capacity - 425 liters
PSI - 2015
Cylinder length - 16.51 in (419 mm)
Cylinder Diameter - 4.38 in (111 mm)
Weight - 5.3 lbs (2.41 kg)

Jumbo D specs:
Oxygen Capacity - 640 liters
PSI - 2015
Cylinder length - 16.30 in (414 mm)
Cylinder Diameter - 5.25 in (133 mm)
Weight - 8.1 lbs (3.68 kg)

 

[Land Locked]

Yeah, we both just finished the CPR/First Aid/AED class, and are both going to take the DAN O2 class.

Congrats!!! I took the DAN DEMP to continue and update my certifications
from years ago. Your tank size is dependent upon EMS response time, in our
area we are usually diving within 5-10 minutes of local EMS. I figured my O2
"maybe a little too conservative" 15 lpm @ 20 minutes. I wish I had gone with
a bigger tank upon reflection, that is why I'm considering going with the REMO
kit. As said before, don't scrimp, but any 02 is better than NO O2!