Assisting responsive divers at the surface

Question 1

Why is it always necessary to assess the condition of the person you’re rescuing?

Answer 1

tired divers can become panicked divers and vice versa

Question 2

How do you approach a rescue victim?

Answer 2

get your equipment while always keeping an eye on the victim or having sb else do it
swim to victim while constantly assessing their state and saving energy for the rescue

Question 3

How do you evaluate the victim?

Answer 3

1. stop near but out of reach of the victim
2. assess state and locate BCD inflator (+assess type)
3. talk them through the problem (if they comply panic hasn’t set in)
4. if you’re sure they haven’t panicked, continue from front and establish buoyancy
5. reassure them by telling them next steps
6. make contact and support

Question 4

How do you reassure a tired diver?

Answer 4

make eye contact and talk directly to them
help them relax
if surface conditions allow it, they can take off mask and snorkel

Question 5

1. Assist and Transport

Answer 5

allow them to self assist as much as possible
swim horizontally
maintain control

Question 6

2. Equipment removal

Answer 6

usually unnecessary
help them out of scuba unit if exposure suit provides enough buoyancy
can use it as swimming aid etc.

Question 7

1. approach and evaluation (panicked diver)

Answer 7

same as for tired diver
if response to instructions is irrational, assume panic, no matter the specific behaviour

Question 8

2. make contact (panicked diver)

Answer 8

establish buoyancy as quickly as possible
-> surface approach: quick but more risky
-> underwater approach: slower but safer

Question 9

What’s the first step for a surface approach and what are the most common types

Answer 9

inflate BCD to prevent being pushed underwater
underarm lift
approach from behind

Question 10

Underarm lift

Answer 10

useful if you’re larger than the victim
grasp their arm by the wrist and turn them around (they usually reach out for you; e.g. left-left)
grasp their (same) arm with the other hand and inflate BCD

Question 11

Approach from behind

Answer 11

grab tank and go into knee craddle position
inflate BCD
if possible release weights

Question 12

How do you carry out an underwater approach?

Answer 12

1. quickly descend and approach victim at knee level
2. release weights
3. turn or swim around victim
4. ascend in knee craddle position and inflate both BCD’s
   -> if you get into victims grasp: descend by breathing out, inflate BCD or push victim upward
5. if you can’t establish control without risking personal safety, back off
   -> victim will tire himself out or lose consciousness; puts them in more serious situation but preferable to you also being in trouble

Question 13

Reassurance and transport

Answer 13

after establishing buoyancy victim usually calms down
continue like with tired diver