How do I save my buddy's life?

[Mike Boswell]

Twice this week, and several more times within the last year, I've read accident/incident stories of scuba divers who "have a little trouble" just before, or just after, beginning their dive. Often they inform their buddies that something is wrong and they want to abort the dive. Soon afterwards, with or without buddies or rescue assistance, they die, apparently (I'm guessing) of a heart attack. Quite a few of these people have been in their 40's and 50's.

What is going on here? Is the stress of gearing up, or getting wet, actually killing people? If so, what should we divers know about this? What should we do about it?

Can these incidents be avoided somehow?
Is there any way to identify those at risk?
Should divers modify their pre-dive procedures in some way?
If my buddy turns to me and says they want to abort the dive, what should I do?

 

[chazrich]

Or just don't go diving with us old guys.

 

[Togalive]

If my buddy turns to me and says they want to abort the dive, what should I do?

Abort the dive. You expect your buddy to be there for you, so do the same for them. If they aren't comfortable than respecting their feelings would seem to be the right/safest thing to do.

 

[Cave Diver]

Twice this week, and several more times within the last year, I've read accident/incident stories of scuba divers who "have a little trouble" just before, or just after, beginning their dive. Often they inform their buddies that something is wrong and they want to abort the dive. Soon afterwards, with or without buddies or rescue assistance, they die, apparently (I'm guessing) of a heart attack. Quite a few of these people have been in their 40's and 50's.

What is going on here? Is the stress of gearing up, or getting wet, actually killing people? If so, what should we divers know about this? What should we do about it?

Can these incidents be avoided somehow?
Is there any way to identify those at risk?
Should divers modify their pre-dive procedures in some way?
If my buddy turns to me and says they want to abort the dive, what should I do?

Rescue begins before the dive starts. If one of you isn't feeling right, a bit more winded than usual, or shows any other signs of stress or distress, then don't do the dive.

If a problem starts during the dive don't blow it off and think it will pass, call the dive, get to the surface and get on O2.

Don't let diving be the only exercise you get. Walk, run, bike, swim. Do some form of exercise a couple of times a week.

Listen to what your body is telling you and act accordingly.

 

[RJP]

If my buddy turns to me and says they want to abort the dive, what should I do?

Abort the dive.

Anyone. Any dive. Any reason.

 

[Aquaviolator]

I believe many divers forget how physical diving can really be when you take in to account fighting currents, temp changes when you hit the thermocline, added weight of equipment, etc. Getting a physical once a year along with regular excercise and a good diet is what I do. Also like what was already posted, abort the dive anytime for any reason.

 

[Aquaviolator]

Also the statement, " I'll be fine once I get in the water." always gets my attention!

 

[JerseyMike]

Twice this week, and several more times within the last year, I've read accident/incident stories of scuba divers who "have a little trouble" just before, or just after, beginning their dive. Often they inform their buddies that something is wrong and they want to abort the dive. Soon afterwards, with or without buddies or rescue assistance, they die, apparently (I'm guessing) of a heart attack. Quite a few of these people have been in their 40's and 50's.

What is going on here? Is the stress of gearing up, or getting wet, actually killing people? If so, what should we divers know about this? What should we do about it?

Can these incidents be avoided somehow?
Is there any way to identify those at risk?
Should divers modify their pre-dive procedures in some way?
If my buddy turns to me and says they want to abort the dive, what should I do?

IF your buddy is uncomfortable about the dive and he wants to abort, then abort. Respect his feelings. Things happen for a reason.

 

[LeadTurn_SD]

....If my buddy turns to me and says they want to abort the dive, what should I do?

Mike,

If I understand what you are asking, I think that we do need to try to determine if the reason for aborting is a health issue as quickly as possible.

Heart attacks often have symptoms that preceded them (but the symptoms may not initially be recognized as a heart attack), and with much of the diving population being "middle aged males", it is important to think about how we'd handle a dive buddy with the onset of a heart attack.

1.) If underwater, and a buddy thumbs a dive, I immediately assume there is a problem and signal "are you ok?". Then a sort of underwater "triage" begins. If I don't receive an instant "ok" sign in return, or a "so-so" sign, or any indication that there might be any type of developing health issue, my level of concern goes way up, and I ask if they want to surface immediately. I think you can often get an idea of how good (or bad) your buddy may be doing during this exchange, and quickly decide what needs to happen (swim to the exit, or assist buddy to the surface immediately).

2.) On the surface, if a buddy wants to abort a dive it is sort of the same "triage", but much easier since we can talk about the problem.

In any case, I'm totally fine with a buddy aborting a dive, for any reason, including boredom. My personal policy is to always escort my buddy all the way out of the water, regardless of why they wanted to abort the dive.

Best wishes.

 

[DCBC]

Twice this week, and several more times within the last year, I've read accident/incident stories of scuba divers who "have a little trouble" just before, or just after, beginning their dive. Often they inform their buddies that something is wrong and they want to abort the dive. Soon afterwards, with or without buddies or rescue assistance, they die, apparently (I'm guessing) of a heart attack. Quite a few of these people have been in their 40's and 50's.

What is going on here? Is the stress of gearing up, or getting wet, actually killing people? If so, what should we divers know about this? What should we do about it?

Can these incidents be avoided somehow?
Is there any way to identify those at risk?
Should divers modify their pre-dive procedures in some way?

Excellent question Mike. Others have answered much of your question, but I think that this is part of the human condition and combines individual health and an individuals right to do what they want. Perhaps that this is a sign of the times. People's lives are less physical than they once were. People tend to be overweight sooner than they were in years gone by. Our society seems to be based upon instant gratification.

Years ago, if you wanted to learn to dive, you would have to swim 3-500 yards. Now some are certified who are non-swimmers (who is anyone to keep them from diving)? People no longer have to be young and fit to dive. In other words, it's okay to be out-of-shape and fat to dive. Even the dive medical is not what it once was. So I see that this is just something that comes with the change of philosophy.

It seems that most people get old physically and not mentally. Perhaps this is why you have old guys like myself driving around in high-powered sports cars. Some try to keep in-shape while others don't see this as a priority.

Diving is all about accepting a degree of risk that's acceptable to the individual. I try to keep in-shape, but if I have to die of a heart attack, I think I'd rather do it diving.

What should you do about it? Nothing. You do have a responsibility to end the dive when it's thumbed by your buddy.