RESCUE DIVER COURSE LESSON GUIDES

1. RESCUE DIVER COURSE LESSON GUIDES Knowledge DevelopmentPresentation Two

2. Knowledge Development Two Overview • The Psychology of Rescue • Recognizing Stress in Divers • Being Prepared for a Diver Emergency • Equipment Function and Function Related Problems • Common Equipment Problems • Release Function and Problems • Accident Management • First Aid for Common Aquatic Life Injuries Rescue - Knowledge Development Two

3. Knowledge Development Two Overview • Responding to Diver Emergencies • More on Responding to Responsive Divers at the Surface • Exits with a Responsive Diver • Postattendance Rescue - Knowledge Development Two

4. The Psychology of Rescue • Recognizing Stress in Divers • Two Steps to Apply • Recognizing Diver Stress Rescue - Knowledge Development Two

5. Two Steps to Apply • What two steps do you apply to recognize stress in a diver? • Recognize stress by direct observation. • Be alert for behavioral changes. • Look for uncharacteristic talkativeness, silence, irritability or hesitation. • Ask the diver about what you’ve observed. • Be careful not to pressure the diver or make the diver feel uncomfortable. • Ask about your concerns in an open, caring and nonjudgmental manner. Rescue - Knowledge Development Two

6. Recognizing Diver Stress • What should you do when you recognizediver stress? • Encourage the diver to apply solution thinking. This includes four steps: • Problem recognized. • Plan of action formulated. • Plan successfully implemented. • Problem minimized or eliminated. Rescue - Knowledge Development Two

7. Being Prepared for a Diver Emergency • Equipment Function & Function Related Problems • Common Equipment Problems • Release Function and Problems Rescue - Knowledge Development Two

8. Equipment Function and FunctionRelated Problems • Being familiar with how dive equipment works: • Helps you to more easily recognize an equipment malfunction or a decline in function. • This knowledge may allow you to act quickly should a minor problem occur and to prevent a more serious problem altogether. • For more information enroll in a PADI Equipment Specialty course, read the PADI Encyclopedia of Recreational Diving, and/or seek advice from a PADI Dive Center, Resort or Professional. Rescue - Knowledge Development Two

9. How does a regulator function? The regulator first stage attaches to the tank valve and reduces tank pressure. This low pressure air flowsthrough hoses to thesecond stage, alternateair source, and lowpressure inflator. As you inhale from thesecond stage mouthpiece,a diaphragm moves inward,pushing open a downstream valve that allows air to flow from the hose. Regulator Function Rescue - Knowledge Development Two

10. Regulator Function • How does a regulator function?continued… • When you exhale, the diaphragm moves outward, the valve closes and your breath exits via the one-way exhaust valve into the water. • First stage also allows high pressure air to flow to the submersible pressure gauge. Rescue - Knowledge Development Two Regulator terms that apply to design and function: Balanced regulator design. Fail-safe function. Downstream valve design.

11. What are the two basic types of alternate air sources? Alternate air sources connected to a redundant air tank that allows a diver to self-rescue. Pony bottle. Self-contained ascent bottle. Types of Alternate Air Sources Rescue - Knowledge Development Two

12. What are the two basic types of alternate air sources?continued… Alternate air sources that connect to the primary air tank. Extra second stages (octopus regulators) for use by the out-of-air diver. Second stages built into low-pressure BCD inflators (alternate inflator regulator), require the donor to switch to the alternate and provide a buddy with the primary second stage. Types of Alternate Air Sources Rescue - Knowledge Development Two

13. What three points does the dive community generally agree upon regarding alternate air sources? The second stage to be used by the out-of-air diver should be clearly identified. The additional second stage should not be allowed to dangle when not in use. Secured with a quick release in plain view in the triangular area between the mouth and the lower corners of the rib cage. Community Agreement Rescue - Knowledge Development Two

14. Problems Specific to Cylinders • What functional problems can occur with cylinders? • Corrosion • Avoid by regular visual inspections and proper maintenance. • Contamination • Obtain air only from a reputable dive operation. • Improper tank positioning • Secure cylinders properly during transportation and don’t leave tanks standing unsecured. • Check tank height in BCD during predive check. Rescue - Knowledge Development Two

15. Problems Specific to Cylinder Valves • What functional problems can occur withcylinder valves? • Not opening the valve. • Diver opens valve to check air supply, then closes the valve or leaves it barely open. • Avoid by proper predive check. • O-ring leaks • Worn, dirty, or dislodged o-rings may cause air to escape from the tank valve. • Avoid by proper predive inspection and regular valve maintenance. Rescue - Knowledge Development Two

16. What functional problems can occur with cylinder valves?continued… Reserve valves. J-valve is accidentally moved to the down position, leaving diver without expected reserve. No way to trip the J-valve lever down for reserve. Avoid by monitoring submersible pressure gauge. Problems Specific to Cylinder Valves Rescue - Knowledge Development Two

17. Problems Specific to Regulators • What functional problems can occur with regulators? • Hose rupture. • Ruptured low pressure hoses can flail wildly at the surface. • Ruptured high pressure hoses may be quite loud. • Avoid by replacing hoses at first sign of aging. • Hose configurations. • Dangling hoses have entanglement problems. • Dragging alternate air sources can fill with mud or sand. • Twisted or sharply bent hoses can cause discomfort and premature aging. Rescue - Knowledge Development Two

18. Problems Specific to Regulators • What functional problems can occur with regulators?continued… • Problems with regulator second stages include: • Free flowing caused by sand or debris preventing valves from sealing properly. • The exhaust valve sticking due to deposits or clogging with debris. • Water leaking in through a torn mouthpiece or diaphragm. • Free flow due to improper valve seal caused by poor maintenance. • Malfunctions due to freezing in cold water caused by lack of, or inadequate, environmental seals. • Avoid problems by rinsing your regulator thoroughly with fresh water and have it serviced as recommended by manufacturer. Rescue - Knowledge Development Two

19. Problems Specific to SPGs • What functional problems can occur with SPGs? • Wear at the first stage connection or other spots along the hose. • Leaking o-rings at either end of connection. • Computer or battery failure in integrated electronic and hoseless gauges. • Failure of the metal tube in mechanical gauges can flood the gauge with high pressure air. • The most common problem is failure tomonitor gauges. • Avoid problems by regular service andby watching the SPG while diving. Rescue - Knowledge Development Two

20. What functional problems can occur with BCDs? Over inflation is possible if the low pressure inflator sticks in the open position. Caused by poor maintenance or freezing in cold water. Practice disconnecting a low pressure inflator hose while in the water to handle this problem. Problems Specific to BCDs Rescue - Knowledge Development Two

21. Problems Specific to BCDs • What functional problems can occur with BCDs?continued… • Under inflation due to difficulty locating inflator mechanism. • Quick dumping mechanism and/or overpressure valve may leak. • Internal cable on hose-activated quick dump valves can fail. • Improper fit can cause problems. • Avoid these problems by proper maintenance. Rescue - Knowledge Development Two

22. Common Equipment Problems • What are six common causes of equipment-related problems? • The use of unfamiliar equipment or specialized equipment without proper instruction and controlled practice. • Use of ill-fitting equipment or wrong equipment for the environment or type of dive. • Substitution of standard items with makeshift or homemade equipment. • Diving without one or more essential pieces of equipment. • Modifying equipment to the point that it no longer functions as designed. • Failure to inspect, adjust and maintain equipment. Rescue - Knowledge Development Two

23. Common Equipment Problems • What are the causes, effects and prevention of problems with masks, snorkels, fins, exposure suits, BCDs, weight systems and scuba units? • Let’s look at the “CommonEquipment Problems” listed inyour PADI Rescue Diver Manual. Rescue - Knowledge Development Two

24. What are six types of releases commonly found in scuba systems and what problems may they have? Quick release buckles. Improper webbing alignment or not fully locking the buckle. Improper placement of crotch strap. Quick disconnect fasteners. Too much strain. Touch fasteners. Sand, lint and debris. Six Types of Releases and Problems Rescue - Knowledge Development Two

25. What are six types of releases commonly found in scuba systems and what problems may they have?continued… Tank band releases. Improper threading. Nylon stretches when wet. Low pressure inflator hose connect (LPI and dry suit). Quick disconnect mechanism malfunctions. Integrated weight releases. Hard to find or improperly threaded releases. Six Types of Releases and Problems Rescue - Knowledge Development Two

26. Accident Management • Common Aquatic Life Injury First Aid • Three Forms of Aquatic Life Injuries • Signs and Symptoms of Venomous Aquatic Injuries • Common Local Treatments • Basic First Aid for Jellyfish Stings Rescue - Knowledge Development Two

27. What are three forms of aquatic life injuries? Bites. Abrasions, cuts or punctures. Stings or venomous wounds. Do not use unprotected handsto remove tentacle pieces orother stingers. Use forceps or other tools togently lift the pieces off and/or irrigate the wound withsalt water. Three Forms of Aquatic Life Injuries Rescue - Knowledge Development Two

28. Signs and Symptoms of VenomousAquatic Injuries • What five signs and symptoms indicate venomous aquatic life injuries? • Injury signs and symptoms are specific to the type of creature encountered. • Excruciating pain. • Local swelling, inflammation or welts. • Weakness, nausea, mental confusion and shock. • Spreading numbness, paralysis and convulsions. • Unconsciousness, respiratory or cardiac arrest. • What is the common treatment for aquatic life injuries? • Apply treatment as per local protocol. Rescue - Knowledge Development Two

29. Basic First Aid for Jellyfish Stings • What is the basic first aid for jellyfish stings? • First aid varies from applying vinegar (box jellyfish) to applying ice packs (bluenose). • It’s important to consult local practices for basic first aid procedures. Rescue - Knowledge Development Two

30. Responding to Diver Emergencies • Responsive Diver at the Surface • Exits with a Responsive Diver • Postattendance Rescue - Knowledge Development Two

31. What are the techniques and considerations for responding to a responsive diver at the surface from a distance? Entry considerations: Respond with mask, snorkel, fins and some form of flotation. When and where to don equipment depends on circumstances. Enter water at a point nearest to the distressed diver. Keep the victim in view. Responding to a Responsive Diver onthe Surface from a Distance Rescue - Knowledge Development Two

32. Responding to a Responsive Diver onthe Surface from a Distance • What are the techniques and considerations for responding to a responsive diver at the surface from a distance?continued… • Reach the victim as quickly as possible, but with adequate reserve of energy. • Set your own pace based on: • Distance to tired diver, and then to safety. • The environmental conditions. • The condition of the tired diver. • Your strength and condition. Rescue - Knowledge Development Two

33. Quick Reverse • What is a quick reverse and how do you do it? • A quick reverse backs you into a position of safety if a potentially panicked diver reaches for you. • Lean backward and angle your legs towards the victim. • This positions you to kick away quickly to stay out of reach. Rescue - Knowledge Development Two

34. What is the advantage of using emergency flotation when assisting a responsive diver at the surface? Greatly simplifies the rescue by providing immediate buoyancy. Allows you to avoid contact with a potentially panicked diver. May be easier to tow the diver holding the device than the diver directly. Emergency Flotation Rescue - Knowledge Development Two

35. More than One Responsive Diveron the Surface • What are the procedures for approaching, evaluating and helping more than one responsive diver in the water? • Determine which diver needs the most help. • Give flotation to first diver, then assist the next. • Approach and evaluate each diver as you’ve already learned. • May need to separate two panicked divers. • If handling more than one panicked diver presents unacceptable risk, stay clear until one/they exhaust themselves. Rescue - Knowledge Development Two

36. Factors to Consider • What factors should you consider when removing equipment from a distressed diver? • How far do you have to go? • If a long distance, eliminatingthe drag may help. • What is the environment like? • You might remove equipmentif environment is calm. • What’s the victim’s condition? • If the diver recovers completely,no need to remove any equipment. Rescue - Knowledge Development Two

37. General Criteria for Tows • What are the general criteria for tows used to transport a distressed diver in the water? • The ideal tow meets the following criteria: • The tow keeps the diver’s face out of the water. • The tow reduces drag by letting you and the tired diver move through the water horizontally. • The tow gives you control. • The tow doesn't restrict your swimming. • The tow allows you to communicate with the tired diver, preferably with eye-to-eye contact, so you can continue to reassure the diver as you swim. Rescue - Knowledge Development Two

38. Effective Tows • Effective tows include: • Underarm tow. • Modified tired swimmers carry. • Tank valve tow. Rescue - Knowledge Development Two

39. Considerations for Helping aDistressed Diver Exit the Water • What should you consider when helping a distressed diver exit the water? • Conditions such as: • Terrain. • Proximity to medical assistance. • Your own size and strength. • The assistance available. • The distressed diver’s sizeand condition. Rescue - Knowledge Development Two

40. What three concerns do you need to handle with a responsive diver once you get on the boat or shore? Assess for injury/illness as you learned in your first aid and CPR courses. Contact emergency medical care if necessary. Be sensitive. Don’t play hero. Don’t minimize the situation. Postattendance Rescue - Knowledge Development Two

41. Knowledge Development Two Review • The Psychology of Rescue • Being Prepared for a Diver Emergency • Responding to Diver Emergencies • Accident Management Rescue - Knowledge Development Two