Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide poisoning is a rare cause of problems when diving, it does occur when there is contaminated air in recreational diving tanks. CO poisoningis the leading cause of poisoning…
Contraindications to Hyperbaric Oxygenation
Absolute contraindicationsUntreated pneumothoraxThis is due to the volume changes that take place in the pleural space, the air doubling or tripling in volume as normal atmospheric pressure is approached. If…
Beachdiving Stingray Injury
Beach entries can be hazardous from several points of view. Not only is the entry difficult due to water action but there is another danger that is difficult to prevent,…
Diving Accident Management
IntroductionIt is desirable to have a standard approach to the initial management (i.e. first-aid) of an injured diver.Coincidentally, a diver may have a non-diving related illness or injury, but in…
Post-dive Divemaster Procedures
After the completion of any dive, the divemaster shall:Check the physical condition of the diver;Instruct the diver to report any physical problems or adverse physiological effects including symptoms of decompression…
Acclimatization To Diving In Cold Water
by Dr. Jolie BookspanBRIEF OVERVIEW OF SUSCEPTIBILITY TO COLDJust as the "dose" of nitrogen or oxygen, meaning partial pressure and time exposed, are main factors in decompression sickness and oxygen…
Thermal Protection and Hypothermia Considerations
IntroductionThermal protection is paramount for undersea recreation, effective work, and military warfare needs. Heat loss is accentuated by many factors including the increased thermal conductivity of water as compared to…
Cold Water Near-Drowning
Are cold water near-drowning victims any different from warm water victims?Submersion accidents which lead to unconsciousness in waters colder than 70 degrees F occur with regularity. Oxygen needs are much…
Immersion Hypothermia
Why is hypothermia dangerous?Hypothermia may be mild, moderate, or severe. The presentation may range from shivering and piloerection ("goosebumps"), to profound confusion, irreversible coma and death. Significant hypothermia begins at…
Problems With Moving Water
Signs of a CurrentEach diver can detect signs of current, such as:1). fast moving surface water;2). which way the boat is facing (depending on whichever is the stronger, the current…