First Aid and CPR for Divers

Swimming underwater breathing gas carried by the diver.

Scuba diving is an exhilarating activity that allows us to explore the underwater world. However, like any sport, it carries certain risks. In the event of an emergency, knowing how to administer first aid and CPR can be lifesaving. This unit will cover the basic principles and procedures for common diving injuries, the importance of CPR in diving emergencies, how to perform CPR on a non-responsive diver, dealing with common diving illnesses, and using emergency oxygen delivery systems.

Basic First Aid Principles and Procedures for Common Diving Injuries

First aid is the immediate care given to a person who has been injured or suddenly becomes ill. The main goal of first aid is to preserve life, prevent the condition from worsening, and promote recovery. In scuba diving, common injuries include cuts, scrapes, stings, and burns. It's important to know how to clean and dress wounds, remove embedded objects, and treat marine animal stings and bites.

The Importance of CPR in Diving Emergencies

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving technique that is used when someone's heartbeat or breathing has stopped. This can happen after a drowning incident, which is a risk in any water sport. CPR combines chest compressions and rescue breaths to keep oxygen flowing to the brain and other vital organs until medical help arrives.

Performing CPR on a Non-Responsive Diver

If a diver is unresponsive and not breathing normally, CPR should be started immediately. The steps are as follows:

1. Check the environment: Ensure the area is safe for both the rescuer and the victim.
2. Check responsiveness: Tap the victim and shout, "Are you okay?"
3. Call for help: If there's no response, call for emergency medical help.
4. Open the airway: Tilt the victim's head back slightly to lift the chin.
5. Check for breathing: Look, listen, and feel for breathing for no more than 10 seconds.
6. Give rescue breaths: If the victim is not breathing or not breathing normally, give 2 rescue breaths.
7. Start chest compressions: Place your hands in the center of the chest and perform 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths.
8. Continue CPR: Keep performing cycles of chest compressions and rescue breaths until the victim shows signs of life or professional medical help takes over.

Dealing with Common Diving Illnesses

Decompression sickness (DCS) and nitrogen narcosis are two common diving illnesses. DCS, also known as "the bends," can occur when a diver ascends too quickly, causing nitrogen bubbles to form in the tissues and bloodstream. Symptoms can range from joint pain and rashes to paralysis and unconsciousness.

Nitrogen narcosis, or "rapture of the deep," is caused by breathing nitrogen under pressure and can affect divers who go deeper than 30 meters (about 100 feet). Symptoms include euphoria, disorientation, and poor judgment.

Both conditions require immediate medical attention. While waiting for help, keep the diver warm, calm, and breathing 100% oxygen if available.

Using Emergency Oxygen Delivery Systems

Providing emergency oxygen is one of the most important aspects of first aid for decompression sickness, lung overexpansion injuries, and other diving-related injuries. Oxygen helps to reduce the size of nitrogen bubbles within the body and increases the victim's chance of a full recovery.

In conclusion, being prepared to handle emergencies is a crucial part of being a responsible diver. By knowing how to administer first aid and CPR, you can ensure that you and your dive buddies stay safe while enjoying the underwater world.