This article will cover the Standard Procedures for rescue of surface supplied divers. This article also includes CPR and identification of a drowning diver. Before performing a rescue dive, it is a good idea to have a complete certification. You will be able to save other divers' lives in an emergency. It also discusses the importance of locating the victim as well as performing CPR on an unconscious diver.
Standard procedure for rescuing a surface supplied diver
Rescuers must immediately respond to any difficulty a surface-supplied diver may be experiencing and transport him or her safely to safety. This is usually a diving bell or area where the diver cannot drown and where first aid can be administered. Sometimes, however, it might not be possible for rescue divers to reach the diver through the bell.
Securing the umbilicals is the first step to rescue. 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 upon the bell type, the diver could also be supplied by the individual umbilicals. To avoid snagging the umbilicals, they must be secured.
The dive supervisor and the diver's tender must give instructions to the 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 essential to maintain audio and physical contact with the diver throughout this procedure.
Recognizing a lost diver
It is not easy to identify a diver who has disappeared from the water. However, there are several ways to do so. First, contact the local authorities. The case involved a diver who was reported missing in Mukilteo (Washington) on June 17. Police and fire departments responded to this call. Coast Guard divers and sheriff's officers searched the area. They were unable to locate Korompis or his partner.
Another way to find a lost diver, is to use a MOB system. This device sends out distress signals using an underwater radio. However, the device only works if nearby vessels receive the signal. It is highly recommended that this device be used, however it is not always possible. 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.
Performing CPR on an unresponsive diver
CPR can be used to revive a diver who isn't breathing. You can either slide your hand under the diver's arm, or reach up and hold the diver's breathing apparatus. Then, pinch the diver's nose and roll him or her towards you. Give two rescue breaths if breathing stops. Repeat the process two to three more times.
It is important not to try to recover the bell from the diver's mouth during CPR. This could result in pooling blood. Continue rescue breathing until the diver regains consciousness. The diver may need to be transferred to a decompression chamber. Performing CPR on an unresponsive diver may be a complicated task, but it is necessary.
You can use buoyancy to bring the diver back to the surface if your pulse is visible. This will enable your to assess the condition and determine if rescue breathing is necessary. If the diver is not breathing you can alternate between two rescue breaths and 30 chest compressions. Alternate your breathing pattern for no more than 30 seconds.