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In a message dated 7/16/98 6:50:48 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
TOM.MOUNT@wo*.at*.ne* writes:
> Second practice drill while using continuos webbing (no quick releases) have
> a buddy simulate being unconsciousness , while in doubles and two stages.
> Remove the stages, and doubles on the surface as well as your own as in
> making a real life rescue. To make this more real simulate mouth to mouth as
> you are doing it.,
Mr. Mount,
This comment prompts me to post a story describing a recent incident I was
involved in which brings to mind some questions, but first I wish to relate
the incident so you can understand where my questions are coming from.
On July 5 the charter dive boat which I mate travelled to the wrek of The
Pinta off NJ, USA. A large relatively intact wrek about 20 miles offshore the
Pinta sits on its side in about 95 FSW. I went in, diving my hp steel 100's in
as near a hogarthian fashion as I could..albeit I was solo to set the hook.
AFter some time I signalled that we were tied in and diving commenced. I
collected some mussels and returned to the anchor line for some mild deco
after 40 minutes on the bottom using a nitrox 30. As I hung at the 10 foot
stop, after almost all deco was complete I saw a buddy team being towed to the
boat on the surface, One diver swimming the other limp and not moving in the
classic rescue tow position. I swam toward the pair immediately, reaching them
as they reached the stern of the boat, a converted oil well crew boat. The
limp diver was face up with no mask or reg, not moving, emmitting a bloody
froth, face appearing fully blue and cynatoic. He was not respirating or
moving and appeared dead. We were bouncing in a 3 foot chop that was slamming
us and the ladder back and forth against the boat The diver was wearing a
recreational type bc, with buckles. MY first instinct was keep his head up and
I told the other diver to do so. THen the captain told me to remove his gear,
as I reached for my knife he said push the buckles and I did. We held the
victims body above the water and managed to get a rope around his waist which
the deck crew used to pull him aboard. as we were pulling him he became
conscious and began moaning in pain. Luckily we had a an EMT aboard as a
passenger and he was not in the water so he was able to take over patient
management. The diver was given O2 and when evaluated by physicans it was
determined that he had suffered from a near drowning, had not suffered an age
or dcs, and subsequently has recovered fully, and is considering diving again.
Next weeked while diving that site we recovered a weight belt that belonged
to the injured diver. We believe he lost his weight belt at depth, suffered
from overly positive buoyancy from his foam neoprene drysuit and overbreathed
his regulator in the commotion. He tried to share air with the other diver who
surfaced with him and towed him to the boat but was unsuccessful.
My questions:
Why would you remove your own tanks while attempting a rescue?
Specifically your back mount tanks or the gas you will breathe at the surface?
My ability to breathe with my reg was crucial and I would not want to see
multiple casualites caused by premature ditching. Stage bottles or empty tanks
I could understand.
How would you remove the vicitms harness? My intent has always been to
cut and given a second more that is what I would have done. Furthermore I see
more and more divers purchasing these tech bc's and strapping gauges and
consoles across their body willi nilly. I would think in the future the
fastest way to remove such rigs will be cutting, a destructive but necessary
procedure.
What attention do you give to the boat in your training? Specifically we
had trouble managing the transom on the boat which is some eight feet above
the water line. Without a swim platform it was almost impossible to get a line
around the victim in a moderate sea, I do not wish to consider doing it in
nastier surface conditions. WE have obtained two belt harnesses with ropes
attached and placed them in the stern, and the captain has installed a gin
pole admidships, with a block and tackle so we can hoist future casulties, or
hopefully never have to.
How realistic is it to attempt cpr in water?? I would think it is better to
get the diver out of the water as soon as possible, unless you are faced with
more than 100 ft swim or your drifting away from the boat, as cpr in anything
besides dead flat calm will most likely be impossible.
I would appreciate any other useful commentary anyone can provide.
Regards,
Al Marvelli aka KybrSose@ao*.co*
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