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Comparing the Performance of First Aid Oxygen Delivery Systems

The diving community understands that oxygen administration is a first aid treatment priority for divers with suspected decompression illness. The goal is to deliver oxygen at the highest possible concentration, being mindful of oxygen supply limits.

Words:
Denise F. Blake, MD and Neal W. Pollock, PhD
Images:
Download the full article as pdf ⬇︎
Medical & Fitness

A variety of portable oxygen delivery systems have been designed for use in diving accidents. These systems consist of two basic operating configurations: an adjustable constant flow regulator or a patient-triggered demand valve.

Stings & Scrapes - Part 1

The ocean’s flora and fauna are why many of us dive, but they’re also responsible for thousands of injuries every year. The good news is that while common, these injuries are rarely serious and can usually be avoided with a little planning and forethought. 

Medical & Fitness
DAN

While the most exotic of these potentially dangerous organisms are fairly well known, the more mundane sometimes cause uncertainty. Know what’s most likely to cause an injury on your next dive so you can relax and enjoy making bubbles.

In part one of this two-part series we’ll refresh your knowledge of wound care and treating common marine stings; next month we’ll cover injuries that involve scrapes, bites and penetrating wounds.

Advanced First Aid for Divers

It is an unfortunate reality that divers who find adventure further afield have to prepare for a wider range of emergencies than those who stick close to home. By the time it is obvious that an ill or injured person needs help, symptoms may have progressed beyond what untrained rescuers can contend with.

Medical & Fitness
DAN

These situations are especially daunting in remote locations. Learning how to respond to some of the most common medical emergencies before your next offshore trip or diving expedition could help you save a life. Do you know how to identify the early warning signs of these common emergencies?

Neurological DCS for Divers

Cases of decompression sickness (DCS) that involve neurological symptoms are fortunately rare, but advanced and mixed-gas divers in particular should be aware of the signs and symptoms and know how to respond if they or one of their buddies experiences a dive injury.

Medical & Fitness
DAN

Whether you have the skills and training to care for a diver yourself or you want to be prepared to help until a more experienced caregiver is available, learn the basics of assessing post-dive symptoms.

Articles like this one are no replacement for training, but they are a good way to refresh or build your awareness of the importance of emergency-response skills.

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Rescuing a Rebreather Diver

How to deal with an unconscious rebreather diver?

The title of this article was originally: “What to do if a convulsion happens”. Based on a lot of discussion, private or on various forums, the protocol being presented here can actually be used for any kind of situation where an unconscious rebreather diver is found underwater.

Words:
Images:
Tech and Training

The purpose of this article is to provide some guidelines on how to safely and efficiently deal with an unconscious diver. These guidelines are meant to be:

Simple and easy to remember. In a real life emergencies rescue techniques are always more complex to perform and more difficult to remember, even if the rescuer practises it on a regular basis.

CCR Divers entering water
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