December 28, 2008 by Andrea Zaferes
Gases Knowledge of how gases behave, or their characteristics requires absolute comprehension by the rescue diver. Keep in mind that the most common gas is air. Compressed air (air under pressure) is utilized...
In Water ResuscitationDecember 28, 2008 by Andrea Zaferes
In water resuscitation is providing a victim air while he is being brought to shore, or a boat. It can only be rendered on the surface, by mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-snorkel. The question on in water resuscitation...
Dangers of Marine LifeDecember 28, 2008 by Andrea Zaferes
Dive teams operate in the water environment, and because of this they must understand and respect it. Man can never conquer the ocean, anyone believing he can has no business on a dive rescue team. Only...
Basics of a Dive AccidentDecember 28, 2008 by Andrea Zaferes
The two most serious dive related accidents are Air Embolism (arterial gas embolism), and Decompression Sickness (venous gas embolism). Heart attack, CVA, drowning, trauma, etc. are not diving accidents,...
RecompressionDecember 28, 2008 by Andrea Zaferes
There are two basic classes of diving emergency requiring recompression, air embolism (arterial gas embolism) and the Bends (decompression sickness). Air embolism is the most dangerous diving accident,...
Decompression Sickness (The Bends)December 28, 2008 by Andrea Zaferes
Due to the gas laws that effect the diver he cannot go to any depth whenever he pleases. Almost everyone has heard of ”THE BENDS” from old movies and T.V. shows. The picture of the hard hat...
Air Embolism (Arterial Gas Embolism, AGE)December 28, 2008 by Andrea Zaferes
When a diver’s airway is shut on ascent the expanding air in the lungs can provoke a rupture of the alveoli, thereby causing air to move into the arteries. The expression arterial gas embolism (AGE)...
Nitrogen NarcosisDecember 28, 2008 by Andrea Zaferes
Air contains approximately 78% nitrogen, when it is compressed and breathed under pressure the elevated partial pressure (Dalton’s Law) of nitrogen can have a narcotic type effect. Physiologically...
Subcutaneous EmphysemaDecember 28, 2008 by Forest Rothchild
Subcutaneous emphysema denotes air under the skin. It is typically seen in divers around the neck. In mild cases it may not even be noticed. When suffering form it the diver may feel a fullness around...
Mediastinal EmphysemaDecember 28, 2008 by Andrea Zaferes
Mediastinal emphysema is the result of gas expanding into the tissues in the center of the chest. Symptoms include mild to moderate pain in the center of the chest. Often depicted as, a dull ache, or feeling...
