Med Talk By Quintin De Boer Photos David Caravias Surface


Rescuing a panicked or endangered scuba diver at the surface is a scenario which can either be a very simple task, or a complex one that it might put your own life at risk. A very important concept in rescue diving is that a rescue should never be attempted if you are going to put your own life in danger – losing a life is always a tragedy, but losing two which could have been avoided is a disaster.


first thing you should do is take a moment to assess the situation. Where is the victim located and will you be able to reach him/her? Is the victim trapped in a current, snagged on something under the water or can he/she move freely? Is the


W 58


hen seeing a victim in need of assistance at the surface, the


victim in immediate danger? Tese are all typical questions


that you would need to ask yourself before plunging head first into the water and trying to assist. Tey will all also determine the course of action you are going to take when finally entering the water. A good approach to any surface rescue will be to follow the following steps: Try to establish


Try to establish


communication with the victim and ask him/her what the


problem is and how they would like you to assist


September/October 2011


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