This article covers the Standard Procedure for rescuing a surface supplied diver. This article also includes CPR and identification of a drowning diver. Before you attempt a dive rescue, it is best to obtain a complete certification. If you have a full certification, you will be able save the lives of others divers in an emergency. It discusses how to locate the victim, perform CPR on unconscious divers, and other important topics.
Standard procedure for rescue of a surface-supplied diver
When a surface supplied diver is in difficulty, rescuers need to immediately act and bring him or her to a safe place. This is usually a dive bell or an area in which the diver cannot drown. First aid can also be administered. There may be times when the bell isn't reachable. In these cases, rescue divers have to modify their response.
Secure the umbilicals first. The bell should be reached by the diver from the end where the umbilical enters. The surface tender should follow the umbilical of the diver out of the bell. Depending on the bell, divers may also be supplied using the individual umbilicals. To avoid snagging the umbilicals, they must be secured.
The diving supervisor and the diver's tender should provide instructions to rescuers. While a diver being rescued may have other duties, a standby dive should be available to render assistance to the diver in an emergency. It is crucial to ensure constant physical and audio contact with the diver while performing this procedure.
How to identify a lost diver
It can be difficult to identify a lost diver, but there are many options. First, contact your local authorities. The case involved a diver who was reported missing in Mukilteo (Washington) on June 17. Fire and police departments responded to the call. The Coast Guard, sheriff's diving team and police also searched the area. They were unable to locate Korompis or his partner.
Another option for finding a lost diver is to use a MOB device. The device transmits a distress signal using an underwater radio signal. However, the device is only functional if the signal is received by nearby vessels. Although it is recommended to use this device, it is not always practical. Some boats have no AIS technology, so they will be unable to track a lost diver. However, if the vessel does have an AIS system, it will allow SAR services to find the diver and assist them.
CPR performed on an unresponsive diver
CPR is an attempt to revive a diver if he or she stops breathing. To open the airway, slide your hand beneath the diver's arm. Or reach up to the diver and hold their breathing equipment. Now, hold the diver's breathing equipment and pinch his or her nose. Roll him/her toward you. Give two rescue breaths if breathing stops. Repeat the process two to three more times.
It is important to not attempt to retrieve the bell of the diver during CPR. This could result in pooling blood. Continue to breathe rescue until the diver regains consciousness. The diver may need to be transferred to a decompression chamber. CPR is a complex task that can be performed on a diver who is not responding to commands. However, it is necessary.
You can use buoyancy to bring the diver back to the surface if your pulse is visible. This will allow you to evaluate the condition of the unresponsive diver and determine whether or not he needs rescue breaths. Alternating two rescue breaths and thirty chest compressions can be used if the diver stops breathing. Alternate your breathing for a maximum period of 30 seconds.