EAP out of Key Largo

[homo maris]

Hello,

Does anyone has an Emergency Action Plan they'd like to share for dives out of Key Largo?

Thanks,
JL

[homo maris]

I had to answer this one myself.
Here is an EAP for Key Largo. I have no clue if it is complete so use it at your own risk.

JL

[Capt Gary]

Originally Posted by homo maris

I had to answer this one myself.
Here is an EAP for Key Largo. I have no clue if it is complete so use it at your own risk.

JL

Hey JL,

Not really sure what you're looking for here, but what you've put together is a good start. If you are diving with a dive operator then they all should have emergency procedures or actions on their boat. They won't go into detail about what to do for a jellyfish sting, but they should have vinegar on board, which is a better method to relieve the stinging then the one you mention in your EAP.

If you are diving on your own you might want to also include in your EAP phone numbers to the Coast Guard via phone at (305) 664-8077 and VFH channel 16, if you have a radio on board. Also all dive vessels monitor VHF channel 11, just put out a call for help and all dive boat captains are there to help, if possible.

Also you should list ports or locations available in the area to pass off an injured diver to the ambulance, if needed. This would include but not limited to Owners Park in Key Largo, Tavernier Creek Marina, and USCG station in Islamorada. Knowing which one is closer to your dive location could help when time is critical.

Also Mariners Hospital in Tavernier has a very nice Hyperbaric Chamber facility on site which can accommodate up to 5 patients.

Hope this helps. If you have anymore questions, don't hesitate to contact me.

Good Diving,

[Glock Diver]

Originally Posted by homo maris

Hello,

Does anyone has an Emergency Action Plan they'd like to share for dives out of Key Largo?

You sound like you're doing the homework assignment for the Rescue Diver course! (at least that's what my instructor had us do for our homework assignment). Still, it's good information to share. I should think about it myself, as I get to Key Largo every now and then.

[homo maris]

Capt. Gary, thanks very much.
In no way did I wanted to imply a dive operator would not be prepared or that I would not rely on them.

I just think having an EAP is pretty important to have.

An updated EAP is attached inlcuding your excellent information.

Interesting that when I looked up for treatment of Portuguese Man of War/Blue Bottle injury nobody mentioned vinegar as a treatment. See:
Hot Water (Blue)bottles for Pain Relief | Australian Medical Association
Portuguese Man o' War - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Glock Diver, it's not for my homework. I did my rescue diver a while back and have since been doing an EAP for each new dive location. It has become a habit.

Thanks all,
JL