Rescuing unconscious diver question

[gcbryan]

Even if the mask wasn't checked wouldn't expanding air coming from the nose on ascent tend to clear the mask rather than go back up into the nasal passage?

I don't pretend to know the answer to this.

 

[The Chairman]

ONLY if you have a working purge valve. The mask would act like a cap on a bottle and the easiest escape would be through the nasal passage ways which empty in the back of the throat conveniently above the pharynx.

 

[cowboyneal]

PADI: Ascending with control is of utmost importance. Protect yourself so you can continue to be a rescuer. Start the ascent by adding just enough air to your BCD to become slightly positively buoyant. You’ll probably have to vent your own and the diver’s BCDs to control the ascent. If the diver is too heavy, you may need to release the diver’s weights. If you can’t control the ascent, let the diver ascend and regain contact at the surface. You may have to flare out to control your ascent.

 

[gcbryan]

ONLY if you have a working purge valve. The mask would act like a cap on a bottle and the easiest escape would be through the nasal passage ways which empty in the back of the throat conveniently above the pharynx.

If there is water in the mask this would usually mean that the victim has already inhaled water through the nose (I would guess?) and probably through the mouth so is this still a significant factor?

 

[ocrmaster]

If a divers passes out underwater. Would the diver automatically release his regulator from his mouth? If he does lose his regulator, what should you do? Give him your octopus and surface by inflating his BC while dumping yours.

So many questions...

 

[ReefHound]

If a divers passes out underwater. Would the diver automatically release his regulator from his mouth? If he does lose his regulator, what should you do? Give him your octopus and surface by inflating his BC while dumping yours.

So many questions...

We were taught that if an unconscious diver has his reg in his mouth, hold it in his mouth while you ascend. If not, don't waste time trying to put it back in, just get to the surface.

 

[MoonWrasse]

PADI Rescue Course standards don't specify which method to use. That leaves it open to preference. I prefer to use the victim's because if I have to let go, I can still control my own buoyancy.

From the PADI rescue manual:

For the best control, you'll usually use your own BCD to ascend with the victim. Begin your ascent, venting air from your BCD as necessary to maintain a safe rate. If releasing air from your BCD doesn't control the ascent, you may need to release air from the victim's BCD.

So, you could say they leave it open to interpretation as to which BCD you use to ascend with.

 

[ocrmaster]

We were taught that if an unconscious diver has his reg in his mouth, hold it in his mouth while you ascend. If not, don't waste time trying to put it back in, just get to the surface.

When your unconsious your body will still automatically try to breath right.

So wont he drown

 

[KrisB]

When your unconsious your body will still automatically try to breath right.

So wont he drown

Depends on how unconscious the diver is.

It boils down to some other principles, I think -- basically if the diver is unconscious at depth, they are probably not breathing either. You'll have bubbles as evidence if they are (providing they haven't already begun drowning).

Ultimately, the only thing you can do for a non-responsive diver at depth is get them to the surface. There is no rescusitation that you can do at depth... so in the interest of time, just get them to the surface!

This falls into the same arena as the new DAN recommendations on CPR/Rescue Breathing. Basically, DAN now says to assume that no breath signs means full arrest and to begin CPR. Is it possible the victim doesn't need CPR? Sure... but giving a beating heart CPR is much less damaging than not giving a non-beating heart CPR.

 

[ReefHound]

When your unconsious your body will still automatically try to breath right.

So wont he drown

Exactly, that's why you don't bother. If you find an unconscious diver without his reg, he's already breathed in water and will not be breathing again until his lungs are cleared and he is rescucitated.

Now if a breathing victim loses his reg, shove it back in his mouth quickly. If you happen to be there at the moment he passes out then hold the reg in place so it doesn't fall out..