Efficacy of rescue techniques used in reported SCUBA diving incidents in the UK
This statistic presents the efficacy of rescue techniques used in SCUBA diving incidents reported to the British Sub-Aqua Club, indicating the likelihood of success when using various rescue and resuscitation techniques.
Given the potential risks associated with SCUBA diving there are internationally recognized minimum recreational diving training standards that exist for the various diving certification agencies across the world.
Diving accidents
Diving accidents have many extenuating circumstances and are usually the result of a combination of problems. Rescue may be needed for various reasons where the diver becomes unable to manage an emergency. Stress, inexperience, inadequate supervision, insufficient predive briefings, buddy separation and dive conditions beyond the diver’s training, experience or physical capacity are all factors that have the potential to result in a diving accident. When panic or an accident has occurred, the accompanying situation can frequently be dealt with through self-aid; buddy assistance; or buddy rescue, potentially of an unconscious diver.
Rescue techniques
The most common diving incidents involve the loss of breathing gas, and the provision of an alternative air source is the usual response. This statistic shows that both the most frequently administered and the most effective rescue technique administered is the provision of an alternative air source in an out of air or free flow scenario with a success rate of 86 percent.
On other occasions the diver may be trapped and must be released by the rescuer. These first responses are usually followed by recovery of the distressed diver, who may be unconscious, to a place of safety with a secure supply of breathing gas, and following rescue, it may be necessary to evacuate the casualty to receive further treatment.
The second most successful rescue technique administered in reported incidences is the use of the controlled buoyant lift (CBL) technique to recover divers to the surface. Arguably, this rescue technique is administered in significantly more severe circumstances than the use of an alternative air source, as such its comparative success rate highlights the importance of familiarity with this technique.
Diving accidents often occur under less than ideal conditions. The weather may be severe or the seas high. These conditions are another reason that practice of rescue skills is important in order to be able to perform in an actual situation, and especially under poor conditions.
Given the potential risks associated with SCUBA diving there are internationally recognized minimum recreational diving training standards that exist for the various diving certification agencies across the world.
Diving accidents
Diving accidents have many extenuating circumstances and are usually the result of a combination of problems. Rescue may be needed for various reasons where the diver becomes unable to manage an emergency. Stress, inexperience, inadequate supervision, insufficient predive briefings, buddy separation and dive conditions beyond the diver’s training, experience or physical capacity are all factors that have the potential to result in a diving accident. When panic or an accident has occurred, the accompanying situation can frequently be dealt with through self-aid; buddy assistance; or buddy rescue, potentially of an unconscious diver.
Rescue techniques
The most common diving incidents involve the loss of breathing gas, and the provision of an alternative air source is the usual response. This statistic shows that both the most frequently administered and the most effective rescue technique administered is the provision of an alternative air source in an out of air or free flow scenario with a success rate of 86 percent.
On other occasions the diver may be trapped and must be released by the rescuer. These first responses are usually followed by recovery of the distressed diver, who may be unconscious, to a place of safety with a secure supply of breathing gas, and following rescue, it may be necessary to evacuate the casualty to receive further treatment.
The second most successful rescue technique administered in reported incidences is the use of the controlled buoyant lift (CBL) technique to recover divers to the surface. Arguably, this rescue technique is administered in significantly more severe circumstances than the use of an alternative air source, as such its comparative success rate highlights the importance of familiarity with this technique.
Diving accidents often occur under less than ideal conditions. The weather may be severe or the seas high. These conditions are another reason that practice of rescue skills is important in order to be able to perform in an actual situation, and especially under poor conditions.
