pocket mask in bc

[SelkieDVM]

I'm taking Rescue and have acquired a pocket mask to carry in a BC pocket. Should I keep it stored in its little box where its better protected or not in the box, so that a few seconds might be saved?

I'd ask my instructor but I won't see him again probably until my check out dives next month.

Thanks,
Lilla

 

[The Chairman]

You know, I thought I would keep MY pocket mask in my BC when I took rescue many moons ago. I don't anymore! I dive with a simple snorkel (no purge valves) that will work as a pocket mask in a pinch, or I just don't sweat it. What I HAVE done is taken to carrying O2 (two bottles and two masks) in my Ridgeline at all times. Forget inspiring them with used air: let them have Oxygen! My demand regulators were designed to NOT pop the alveoli during resuscitation efforts.

 

[johnny_bravo]

IMHO no one really carries a CPR pocket mask in the BC...in most rescue situations you get the victim back to the boat or land as quickly as possible to commence CPR. I would probably do 2 quick rescue breaths before commencing.

Rescues with a long surface swim where the mask might come in handy are not too common methinks.

Cheers.

-J.-

 

[SelkieDVM]

Thanks for the replies.

Ya' know my instructor seemed to indicate that he didn't carry one anymore either.
Hmm . . .

 

[DiverBizz]

Johnny Bravo...it is not a CPR mask. CPR is the chest compressions done on the boat or shore. The mask is for providing rescue breaths...but I know of very few rescue trained divers who carry their mask in their BCD. Rescue breaths without the mask is just a choice one makes if they don't carry the mask.

 

[The Chairman]

DiverBizz,

It is indeed the "P" in CPR. Calling it a "CPR Mask" is perfectly acceptable.

 

[The Kraken]

Like the others, I don't carry my recussitation mask on the dive with me.

In order to make it more efficient, I rigged a line that fits onto the O2 supply line of the mask with a L/P inflation fitting that fits my B/C inflator hoses. I also keep a short L/P B/C inflator hose in the case with it.

If there is no O2 available, if I'm diving Nitrox, I can at least supply the diver with some oxygen enriched air.

I have a dedicated Al-80 O2 deco tank. This deco tank can serve as emergent O2 with the above rig.

the K

 

[DiverBizz]

You know I beg to disagree with you NETDOC. The team CPR should not be used instead of rescue breaths. "P" yes I agree but it is not called a P mask. Terms should be used correctly so that when a doctor reading the chart at the hospital does not think that CPR was used. It is very important to know what type of procedure you used. I know of a few drs. who would glance that info chart and see CPR not the mask word right next to it.

 

[The Chairman]

It is very important to know what type of procedure you used.

So, once on the boat or the shore, you are NOT going to initiate CPR??? You wouldn't pass my rescue class with that scenario.

 

[somewhereinla]

The Proper term is Oronasal Resuscitation Mask...LOL

I just did my (re) certification today taught by L.A county life guards (baywatch). Someone asked if lifeguards do usually use those masks. They say they never do, unless you have one right in your hand, getting one is really a waste of time. Even in cases were the victim vomit, they do not use one. They go on with rescue breathing.