This article will cover the Standard Procedures for rescue of surface supplied divers. It also covers CPR and identifying a lost 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 also covers how to find the victim and perform CPR on an unconscious diver.
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 usually means a bell, or an area that the diver can not drown, and where first aid can easily be given. There may be times when the bell isn't reachable. In these cases, rescue divers have to modify their response.
The first step to rescue is to ensure the divers' umbilicals are secure. The bell should be ejected by the diver at the place where the umbilical enters. The surface tender should then follow the diver's umbilical out of the bell. Depending on the type of bell, the diver may also be supplied through the individual umbilicals inside the bell. The diver's umbilicals will need to be secured to avoid snagging.
The rescuers should be directed by the diver's tender or the diving supervisor. A standby diver may perform other tasks while a diver is being rescued, but he or she must be able to render emergency aid to the diver if needed. It is essential to maintain audio and physical contact with the diver throughout this procedure.
Recognizing a lost diver
It can be difficult to identify a lost diver, but there are many options. First contact local authorities. In this instance, the diver had been reported missing on June 17, in Mukilteo. Fire and police departments responded to the call. The Coast Guard, sheriff's diving team and police also searched the area. However, they were unable to find Korompis and his partner.
Another way to find a lost diver, is to use a MOB system. This device sends out a distress message using an underwater radio frequency. However, the device is only functional if the signal is received by nearby vessels. While it is recommended that you use this device, it may not be practical. Some boats have no AIS technology, so they will be unable to track a lost diver. If the vessel has an AIS system, however, SAR services will be able to locate the diver and assist them.
CPR for an unresponsive diver
CPR may be used to revive a diver that isn't breathing. To open the airway, slide your hand beneath the diver's arm. Or reach up to the diver and hold their breathing equipment. Next, gently pinch the nose of the diver and then roll him/her towards you. If the diver's breathing does not return, take two rescue breaths. Then, roll him or her towards you.
During CPR, it is important not to attempt to recover the diver's bell. This could cause blood pooling. You should continue to rescue breathe until the diver can regain consciousness. This may require transferring the diver to a decompression chamber on deck. It can be difficult to perform CPR for an unresponsive diver.
If you can see the diver's pulse, you can use positive buoyancy to bring him to the surface. This will enable your to assess the condition and determine if rescue breathing is necessary. You can alternate rescue breaths with 30 chest compressions if the diver isn't breathing. Alternate the breathing patterns for maximum 30 seconds.