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

Nigel Alexander Hunt

Welcome to my site dedicated to María La Gorda International Diving Center. I am "poco a poco" researching and updating it with the aim to provide as complete as possible record of the hotel's ancient and recent history; bearing in mind that the goings-on today may one day be of historical interest.

My site is NOT the official website of the current hotel operator, and is by no means endorsed by them; but I am grateful for their help with the research and supplying some of the photographs.

You can make from this site room reservations through the Bizloco eTravel System operated by Cubaism Ltd which has a direct contract with the current hotel operator.

Best wishes for 2012

Nigel Alexander Hunt