Rescuing unconscious diver question

[Dive-aholic]

...Maybe the best scenario would be to drop their weight belt and send them to the surface as quickly as possible, following as fast as a safe ascent allows you to do. If you are off a boat, hopefully the crew will spot them and assist, starting CPR before you reach the surface. Yes they might be bent, but that’s a whole lot better than being dead...

The more likely physiological response to this would be pneumothorax. A controlled ascent is always best, even if they're not breathing. If you shoot them to the surface out of control, they won't have any lungs left to breathe with.

 

[wilkie]

The more likely physiological response to this would be pneumothorax. A controlled ascent is always best, even if they're not breathing. If you shoot them to the surface out of control, they won't have any lungs left to breathe with.

?,I seem to recall a statement that "An unconcious diver is not likely to hold his breath during assent"(don't recall if it was this was from textbook, or an instructors verbal responce to a question), perhaps my memory is flaued, or this is outdated info..

 

[Dive-aholic]

This statement is correct, but a rapid, uncontrolled ascent to the surface will not allow the air that's still in the lungs enough time to escape through the small opening of the trachea, larynx, nasal passages. The lining of the lungs will give way before the air can escape.

 

[Davetul]

I just completed my Rescue cert, and I think my instructor said it best...

If it works, do it. If it doesn't, don't.

Further explained, my cert partner is a bit larger than I am. He had no problem reaching around me and using my inflator to control the ascent (our unconscious diver was simulated face down on the bottom, and we were behind on the ascent), whereas I was having a hard time using his inflator, and when I used mine had a much easier time. It all boils down to what works for you, I think. The only right way to get an unconscious diver to the surface is to get him there as quickly and as safely as possible, without putting yourself in danger.

 

[KrisB]

I just completed my Rescue cert, and I think my instructor said it best...

If it works, do it. If it doesn't, don't.

Further explained, my cert partner is a bit larger than I am. He had no problem reaching around me and using my inflator to control the ascent (our unconscious diver was simulated face down on the bottom, and we were behind on the ascent), whereas I was having a hard time using his inflator, and when I used mine had a much easier time. It all boils down to what works for you, I think. The only right way to get an unconscious diver to the surface is to get him there as quickly and as safely as possible, without putting yourself in danger.

I think your last five words put it in perfect perspective. There is no sense in creating a second victim.

I think one of my instructors said it very well: ultimately, the Rescue Diver course doesn't train you in providing rescue services -- it trains you to keep yourself safe while you try and do what every person wants to do (safeguard another's life).

 

[jagfish]

This statement is correct, but a rapid, uncontrolled ascent to the service will not allow the air that's still in the lungs enough time to escape through the small opening of the trachea, larynx, nasal passages. The lining of the lungs will give way before the air can escape.

Interesting...Do you have a source for this information?

 

[IwakuniDiver]

I was also taught to use the victim's BC to control ascent.

 

[Walter]

If it works, do it. If it doesn't, don't.

Further explained, my cert partner is a bit larger than I am. He had no problem reaching around me and using my inflator to control the ascent (our unconscious diver was simulated face down on the bottom, and we were behind on the ascent), whereas I was having a hard time using his inflator, and when I used mine had a much easier time. It all boils down to what works for you, I think. The only right way to get an unconscious diver to the surface is to get him there as quickly and as safely as possible, without putting yourself in danger.

Get face to face, the inflator will be right there. It also allows you to see if the mask is flooded and watch for any facial expressions/changes.

Why do class victims almost always lie face down?

 

[MB]

Why do class victims almost always lie face down?

Because they are looking for treasure on the pool floor while they're waiting to be manhandled on the rescue???

 

[Walter]

Or they're afraid of a little water up the nose. Good morning! You know what we have to schedule...........