For obvious reasons dive accidents happen mainly on boats or remote locations, far away from hospitals or any other medical aid, therefore the first aid provided at the dive site can make the difference between a serious accident and a minor event. Many of us are not well prepared to provide, or remember the necessary...

The following items are offered as an example of a list of first aid supplies which can be modified according to your needs and experience. This is a section taken from 'Divemaster’s Quick Accident Response’ and is the first of a series from that web site. GlovesDeodorant cleansing soap (antibacterial)Household Vinegar solution (neutralize jellyfish stings)Household...

Problem: Lead absorption form diving weights and environmentRisks: Absorption in sports divers from weight, minimal; absorption via the hands to mouth in divemasters, instructors and gear handlers, possible; absorption in abandoned lead mines, probable without protective gear. Risk management: Wash weights with fresh water after dives; wash hands after handling; keep weights separate from other...

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 sickness; Advise the diver of the location of a decompression chamber which is ready for use; and Alert the diver to the potential...

by Dr. Jolie Bookspan BRIEF OVERVIEW OF SUSCEPTIBILITY TO COLD Just as the „dose” of nitrogen or oxygen, meaning partial pressure and time exposed, are main factors in decompression sickness and oxygen toxicity respectively, major factors in cold stress are temperature and length of exposure. As with dosage of any drug or substance, several interacting...

Introduction Thermal 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 air of the same temperature. The study of immersion hypothermia has increased survivability in downed pilots and aircrew, shipwreck victims, sport scuba enthusiasts, and...

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 reduced when the body is cold, therefore a permanent brain damage from low oxygen states may not occur. A 60 minute cold water submersion...

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 temperatures of 95 degrees F and below. The lowering of the body temperature occurs as the body is robbed of heat by the surroundings...

Signs of a Current Each 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 or the wind); 3). movement of floating material on the water or in the water; 4). movement of divers away from the...

The Boat Check out the boat and boat captain before divingAsk questions about rescue action plansAsk about the history of the motorAsk about the credentials of the crewAsk about the system for counting heads (Names!)The best method is preventative: Not only are head counts good, but a log with names to check off is added...

With the many hundreds of boats actively moving about the waters of shores and bays there is always the possibility of accidentally falling into the water, capsizing or becoming the victim of foul weather. Seven Steps To Survival Survival at sea depends on the recognition that you are in danger of losing your life. There...

Things divers need to consider in prevention of diving accidents:1. Careful selection and predive physical examination of the divers.2. Careful selection of the appropriate equipment and gas mixtures for the dive.3. Careful predive planning to identify potential problems and formulate contingency plans. Predive planning includes:—Proper scheduling to avoid fatigue, to remain within O2 limits, and...