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Reverse squeeze, what to do?
- Thread starter Texasguy
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DevonDiver
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I'd want to see some medical references to that effect. In lieu of those, I'd consider this to be a very foolish presumption...
ADeadlierSnake
Contributor
Im surprised no one has mentioned that you shouldnt ever still be underwater when your tank is at 400psi... Now some people may think this is off topic, but I think if you are worried about not having enough time to clear a potential reverse block on the way up, then you shouldnt dive your tank that low to begin with. As it was said, reverse blocks are about prevention. Now if you dont manage to prevent it, I think the second best option would be to have plenty of air remaining to still deal with the solution. Just my 2 <unit of choice>
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I've actually had quite a few reverse ear blocks. Not sure why, as I have no trouble clearing on the way down and don't take any sinus or allergy meds.
Why would you be coming up with 400 PSI and no buddy to air share? Because, you need to descend to the last level where you didn't have pain, come up slower and wait for the pain to go away, then ascend more slowly.
One of the many unplanned contingencies for which you need extra gas. Gas planning isn't just a silly exercise for which to get back on the boat with 500 psi so that the DM or Capt doesn't get mad at you.
Didn't you recently post that you wanted to know more about solo diving? Coming up with 400 psi? Unless that's 400 psi on a really big tank with redundancy or doubles system. You would not be ready for diving solo. JMHO.
Why would you be coming up with 400 PSI and no buddy to air share? Because, you need to descend to the last level where you didn't have pain, come up slower and wait for the pain to go away, then ascend more slowly.
One of the many unplanned contingencies for which you need extra gas. Gas planning isn't just a silly exercise for which to get back on the boat with 500 psi so that the DM or Capt doesn't get mad at you.
Didn't you recently post that you wanted to know more about solo diving? Coming up with 400 psi? Unless that's 400 psi on a really big tank with redundancy or doubles system. You would not be ready for diving solo. JMHO.
ADeadlierSnake
Contributor
Another additional thing of note is that even if you dive big tanks, and they are doubled up, 400psi isnt a good number to be reading on your gauge while still in the water simply because at lower pressures, gauges are less accurate. I myself mostly dive my doubled up Faber LP108s, but I know I immediately end the dive if I hit 500psi, and I discuss that in the dive plan with my buddies ahead of time
dumpsterDiver
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I've had it many times... dozens, but not in the last 3 years or so that I remember. I typically get it in one ear. This is a real problem because this unbalanced pressure will quickly cause things to spiral out of control. Your eyes will begin to spin, vertigo and then puking soon after....
So the solution... IMMEDIATELY shoot back down. As you do it, gently try to equalize the other ear. Descend as fast as possible and as deep as it takes to stop the pain. You can then try another slow ascent. What I normally do is remove the mask and blow my nose. This seems to help a lot. Snorting seawater may help but it sounds like a good way to drown yourself.
Then just begin the ascent again, slowly, I try to open my jaw some and push my tongue down, this tends to open the tubes.. Sucking can help too....
This is reason number 5005 for why a pony bottle is not a bad idea....
I've had a few times where nothing seemed to work and I was low on air and just figured i was going to blow an ear drum,,, and so far each time.. a lot of pain and the air releases on ascent.
So the solution... IMMEDIATELY shoot back down. As you do it, gently try to equalize the other ear. Descend as fast as possible and as deep as it takes to stop the pain. You can then try another slow ascent. What I normally do is remove the mask and blow my nose. This seems to help a lot. Snorting seawater may help but it sounds like a good way to drown yourself.
Then just begin the ascent again, slowly, I try to open my jaw some and push my tongue down, this tends to open the tubes.. Sucking can help too....
This is reason number 5005 for why a pony bottle is not a bad idea....
I've had a few times where nothing seemed to work and I was low on air and just figured i was going to blow an ear drum,,, and so far each time.. a lot of pain and the air releases on ascent.
bbarnett51
Contributor
I got my first one in twenty years of diving. It FREAKIN hurt! I was on an easy lake dive and I am glad. It really caused me a great deal of stress. The pain was bad and there was a touch of vertigo. I descended about 10 feet then slowly ascended. Stop and repeat the process.. When I got to about 20 feet I felt a bubbling sensation and then heard a crazy noise that lead to instant relief. The only problem was my mouth filled with blood. I got to the surface and was spitting a lot of blood. That actually lead to an infection about a week later.
These are pretty rare. But just knowing what it is will be a relief if it happens. I can't imagine the panic that could ensue if it were to happen to someone that didn't know what it was.
These are pretty rare. But just knowing what it is will be a relief if it happens. I can't imagine the panic that could ensue if it were to happen to someone that didn't know what it was.
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