Was witness to an incident on Sunday, and I'm thinking the diver was suffering more from heat exhaustion rather than DCS. Without the medical report you may not be able to answer the question -- but your opinion would be appreciated.
In a nutshell, here's what happened: a group of 8 divers, 2-tank charter. 4 AOW students, their instructor, DM and me & my buddy. Both dives scheduled for deep wrecks. Cool day (about 14c) overcast, some rain. When my buddy and I arrived at the dock, greeted the DM, and one of the students who were already there. Policy of the charter we were using is to set up kit for first dive, and get suited up (or semi-suited up) prior to leaving the dock. I passed this along to the others, and the four of us got ourselves ready and our gear loaded. The student "X" was the one that would soon be the star of the incident. He was wearing his booties, farmer john and a 'street jacket. While waiting for the others to arrive, he was on the dock smoking. After the others arrived, set up their kit and board we were off to the first wreck. Time -- about 30 minutes after my arrival. The wreck sits about 90ft, there is a strong current on the descent line moderate at wreck. Water temp 58F at depth.
When the AOW class surfaced and were changing tanks, is when the incident occurred. X was sitting opposite to me, and I observed him starting to change tanks, stop and start trying to take off his suit jacket (he dove with hood, gloves, farmer john, jacket and booties). He appeared to be breathing hard, and having difficulties doing this simple task. The instructor asked him if he was OK, and was told, nauseous, light headed, one foot tingly and a bit numb. He was assisting X forward on the boat, when X's leg buckled. The PADI pro's on board "leapt into action" The instructor and class DM immediately went to X's assistance started asking more DCS questions, the charter captain (DM) cancelled the 2nd dive headed back to the marina, the mate (Instructor) went for the O2 kit, and I (DM) made sure everyone else stayed back. (It's amazing the training really kicks in). X informs us that other than feeling nauseous, and having his right foot numb he doesn't have any other symptoms. We get his jacket off and he is positively "steaming", I also note his face is sweating. I get a towel, wet it, and proceed to cool him off. During this time X receives 02. X says he feels sick with the O2 and refuses it. His breathing is less strained. One of the other AOW students who happened to be a nurse said his pulse was elevated (she said some other things, but my medical terminology in French is very limited).
By this time, we're back at the dock, and X is asked if he can be taken directly to the chamber - he agrees. He is also asked to receive additional O2 on the drive to the chamber - he agrees.
We get him out of his wetsuit, into the car and he is taken by the instructor and the nurse to the chamber. Since then, I have found out he spent 3 hrs in the chamber "as a precaution". I've spoken to X, and he's eager to complete his AOW, and to continue diving.
Sooo after all that - with his very quick recovery - the numbness had disappeared by the time he was getting in the car, feeling better with being cooled down with the wet towel. Would say his "illness" was more likely due to over heating than DCS - or would you need more info for an educated opinion?
PS the appropriate PADI incident reports are being submitted.
In a nutshell, here's what happened: a group of 8 divers, 2-tank charter. 4 AOW students, their instructor, DM and me & my buddy. Both dives scheduled for deep wrecks. Cool day (about 14c) overcast, some rain. When my buddy and I arrived at the dock, greeted the DM, and one of the students who were already there. Policy of the charter we were using is to set up kit for first dive, and get suited up (or semi-suited up) prior to leaving the dock. I passed this along to the others, and the four of us got ourselves ready and our gear loaded. The student "X" was the one that would soon be the star of the incident. He was wearing his booties, farmer john and a 'street jacket. While waiting for the others to arrive, he was on the dock smoking. After the others arrived, set up their kit and board we were off to the first wreck. Time -- about 30 minutes after my arrival. The wreck sits about 90ft, there is a strong current on the descent line moderate at wreck. Water temp 58F at depth.
When the AOW class surfaced and were changing tanks, is when the incident occurred. X was sitting opposite to me, and I observed him starting to change tanks, stop and start trying to take off his suit jacket (he dove with hood, gloves, farmer john, jacket and booties). He appeared to be breathing hard, and having difficulties doing this simple task. The instructor asked him if he was OK, and was told, nauseous, light headed, one foot tingly and a bit numb. He was assisting X forward on the boat, when X's leg buckled. The PADI pro's on board "leapt into action" The instructor and class DM immediately went to X's assistance started asking more DCS questions, the charter captain (DM) cancelled the 2nd dive headed back to the marina, the mate (Instructor) went for the O2 kit, and I (DM) made sure everyone else stayed back. (It's amazing the training really kicks in). X informs us that other than feeling nauseous, and having his right foot numb he doesn't have any other symptoms. We get his jacket off and he is positively "steaming", I also note his face is sweating. I get a towel, wet it, and proceed to cool him off. During this time X receives 02. X says he feels sick with the O2 and refuses it. His breathing is less strained. One of the other AOW students who happened to be a nurse said his pulse was elevated (she said some other things, but my medical terminology in French is very limited).
By this time, we're back at the dock, and X is asked if he can be taken directly to the chamber - he agrees. He is also asked to receive additional O2 on the drive to the chamber - he agrees.
We get him out of his wetsuit, into the car and he is taken by the instructor and the nurse to the chamber. Since then, I have found out he spent 3 hrs in the chamber "as a precaution". I've spoken to X, and he's eager to complete his AOW, and to continue diving.
Sooo after all that - with his very quick recovery - the numbness had disappeared by the time he was getting in the car, feeling better with being cooled down with the wet towel. Would say his "illness" was more likely due to over heating than DCS - or would you need more info for an educated opinion?
PS the appropriate PADI incident reports are being submitted.
