Diving Emergency Procedures

It is important for all divers to have a basic understanding of what kinds of emergencies can arise when called to the assistance of a diving emergency. There are numerous reasons why a diver would require emergency care here we will review some of the more life threatening, such as Arterial Gas Embolism (AGE), pneumothorax (ruptured lung), hypothermia and decompression sickness (DCS).

Air Embolism

Transport to nearest emergency facility closely associated with a recompression chamber. Do not waste time evaluating and stabilizing at a facility unaccustomed to diving emergencies.

SYMPTOMS APPEAR DURING OR IMMEDIATELY AFTER SURFACING

Symptoms

Disorientation
Chest pain
Paralysis or weakness
Dizziness
Blurred vision
Personality change
Voice change in tonal quality

Signs

Bloody froth from nose or mouth
Paralysis or weakness
Unconsciousness
Convulsions
Stopped breathing
Apparent Death

Early Management

CPR, if required
Open airway, prevent aspiration, intubate if trained person available
Give O2, remove only to open airway or if convulsions ensue. Mask, if available
If conscious, give nonalcoholic liquids
Place in horizontal, neutral position
Restrain convulsing person loosely and resume O2 as soon as airway is open
Protect from excessive cold, heat, water or fumes

Decompression Sickness

Transport to nearest emergency facility closely associated with a recompression chamber. Do not waste time evaluating and stabilizing at a facility unaccustomed to diving emergencies.

SYMPTOMS APPEAR 15 MINUTES TO 12 HOURS AFTER SURFACING

Symptoms

Tired feeling
Itching
Pain, arms, legs or trunk
Dizziness
Numbness, tingling or paralysis
Chest compression or shortness of breath
Anything unusual after the dive

Signs

Blotchy rash
Paralysis or weakness anywhere in the body
Coughing spasms
Staggering or instability
Unconsciousness
Personality change

Early Management

Stabilize patient the same way as for Air Embolism
Urgent recompression after stabilization in trauma facility closely associated with a recompression chamber
Immediate oxygen breathing, continue even if person improves markedly. Use a mask, if available.
Always take to recompression treatment for all forms of decompression sickness

Lung Over-Expansion (Pneumothorax, Mediastinal Emphysema)

Symptoms

Disorientation
Chest pain
Paralysis or weakness
Dizziness
Blurred vision
Personality change
Voice change in tonal

Signs

Bloody froth from nose or mouth
Paralysis or weakness
Unconsciousness
Convulsions
Stopped breathing
Apparent Death

Early Management

CPR, if required
Open airway, prevent aspiration, intubate if trained person available
Give O2, remove only to open airway or if convulsions ensue. Mask, if available
If conscious, give nonalcoholic liquids

Bienvenido a mi sitio web dedicado al Centro Internacional de Buceo El Colony en la Isla de la Juventud. He estado investigando "poco a poco" con el objetivo de brindar una información lo más completa posible de las instalaciones y servicios este Hotel y su Centro Internacional de Buceo, teniendo en cuenta que la información de hoy puede ser relevante en el futuro.

Mi sitio NO es el sitio web oficial del operador actual de este hotel, y no es avalado por ellos de ningun modo; pero estoy agradecido por su ayuda con la investigación.

Usted puede hacer reservaciones de alojamiento de este hotel a través del sistema de Bizloco eTravel operado por Cubaism Ltd que tiene un contrato directo con el actual operador del hotel .

Mis mejores deseos en este año 2008

Nigel Alexander Hunt