This article covers the Standard Procedure for rescuing a surface supplied diver. It also covers CPR and identifying a lost diver. Before you attempt a dive rescue, it is best to obtain a complete certification. This will allow you to help other divers in emergency situations. 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 need to act quickly if a surface-sealed diver is in danger and take him or her to safety. This is often a diving bell, an area where the diver will not drown, or a place where first aid can usually be administered. It is possible to reach a diver using the bell at times, but rescue divers need to adjust their response to accommodate the situation.
Secure the umbilicals first. The bell should be ejected by the diver at the place where the umbilical enters. The surface tender should then follow in the footsteps of the diver's umbilical as it leaves the bell. Depending on the bell, divers may also be supplied using the individual umbilicals. The diver's umbilicals will need to be secured to avoid snagging.
The diving supervisor and the diver's tender should provide instructions to rescuers. The standby diver will perform some other tasks while the diver is being rescued but must still be able to provide emergency assistance to the diver. While performing this procedure, it is important to keep in constant physical and/or audio contact with the diver.
Identifying 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 local authorities. In this instance, the diver had been reported missing on June 17, in Mukilteo. Police and fire departments responded to the call, and the Coast Guard and sheriff's dive team searched the area. They could not find Korompis or his companion.
A MOB device is another option to help locate a lost diver. The device transmits a distress signal using an underwater radio signal. The device works only if there are nearby vessels that receive the signal. While it is recommended that you use this device, it may not be practical. Some boats don't have AIS technology so they won't be able track a missing diver. However, if the vessel does have an AIS system, it will allow SAR services to find the diver and assist them.
CPR on an inresponsive diver
CPR is an attempt to revive a diver if he or she stops breathing. You can either slide your hand under the diver's arm, or reach up and hold the diver's breathing apparatus. Now, hold the diver's breathing equipment and pinch his or her nose. Roll him/her toward you. If breathing isn't returning, take two rescue breathes and then repeat the procedure up to three times.
It is important to avoid trying to retrieve the bell of a diver during CPR. This could cause blood to pool. Continue to breathe rescue until the diver regains consciousness. This could mean that the diver needs to be taken to a deck decompression chamber. Performing CPR on an unresponsive diver may be a complicated task, but it is necessary.
If you can see the diver's pulse, you can use positive buoyancy to bring him to the surface. This will allow you to evaluate the condition of the unresponsive diver and determine whether or not he needs rescue breaths. If the diver is not breathing you can alternate between two rescue breaths and 30 chest compressions. Alternate your breathing for a maximum period of 30 seconds.