The Psychology of Rescue 1

Question 1

What can cause diver emergencies?

Answer 1

failing to foresee hazards
myriad conditions (e.g. undiagnosed med. condition, mechanical malfunction, etc.)
-> lots of things can influence our safety since we enter an environment we aren’t built for

Question 2

What is the most common cause of diver emergencies?

Answer 2

poor judgement
-> proper risk assessment helps avoid majority of accidents

Question 3

What does poor judgement include?

Answer 3

participation in activities beyond training/ experience
poor decisions during a dive
skipping safety checks or basic planning before a dive

Question 4

How can you prevent accidents while diving?

Answer 4

by learning how to notice poor decisions others make
-> allows you to abort a dive or at least prepare for potential problems

Question 5

Why should you always reflect on things that went wrong during a dive?

Answer 5

to avoid repeating mistakes & improve overall safety

Question 6

What’s the immediate urge for most people when someone gets in trouble?

Answer 6

to do something
-> can cause us to freeze or act instinctively

Question 7

Why should you avoid jumping to help without forethought?

Answer 7

to protect yourself
-> improves rescue efforts

Question 8

What’s the first thing to do when an emergency arises?

Answer 8

stop & think
-> prevents rash actions

Question 9

What are the 3 considerations you should make before attempting a rescue?

Answer 9

1. Is it necessary to enter the water (if you’re not already in it)
2. Do you have the equipment and training necessary to carry out the rescue (e.g. don’t attempt a cave dive rescue if you have no training for cave-diving)
3. Can you reasonably expect to accomplish the rescue without getting into trouble (some level of risk is unavoidable but it should be minimised)

Question 10

What’s the premise of the 3 primary considerations?

Answer 10

Don’t enter the water if you don’t have to
If you do, consider your abilities and risks