The last rescue class I taught there were two students in sidemount. One in back mount doubles. I alternated between SM and back mount single. Including the one weekend certed diver who put his gear together via youtube . That was the rig I used to get "trapped" on the bottom in and they not only had to bring me up but actually cut me out of the harness.
This was not a PADI class so the rescue breathing while towing was discussed and demonstrated, but it was noted that it's optional and getting the victim out of the water onto a stable platform is more important.
Under the new CPR guidelines that emphasize compressions , and the fact that the average rescue diver is unlikely to practice the skill enough to actually be able to do it effectively in a real rescue when the stress is on and adrenalin pumping, delivering effective breaths is problematic at best. What it is more likely to do is delay effective treatment and ensure brain damage.
With sidemount, you don't worry about the gear on the victim. Dump the tanks and regs. Cut the BC off once you are close enough to shore that you don't need it for flotation. If you are the rescuer there are effective ways to tow if you don't want to dump your gear. However in an actual rescue what's worth more, your tanks and regs or the life of the victim?
This was not a PADI class so the rescue breathing while towing was discussed and demonstrated, but it was noted that it's optional and getting the victim out of the water onto a stable platform is more important.
Under the new CPR guidelines that emphasize compressions , and the fact that the average rescue diver is unlikely to practice the skill enough to actually be able to do it effectively in a real rescue when the stress is on and adrenalin pumping, delivering effective breaths is problematic at best. What it is more likely to do is delay effective treatment and ensure brain damage.
With sidemount, you don't worry about the gear on the victim. Dump the tanks and regs. Cut the BC off once you are close enough to shore that you don't need it for flotation. If you are the rescuer there are effective ways to tow if you don't want to dump your gear. However in an actual rescue what's worth more, your tanks and regs or the life of the victim?