---- Original Message -----
From: "David Strike" <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, April 25, 2001 5:12 PM
Subject: [SCUBA-SE] Rescues! (Was: [SCUBA-SE] Reg. Hose setup)


> While I agree that 'riding the cylinder' gives the rescuer a greater
> advantage in terms of controlling the victim, it's been my experience that
> that form of rescue should be a last resort - particularly at depth.  The
> best way, to my way of thinking, of controlling panic and calming a
> distressed diver is - having already passed the hose - to grasp both of
the
> divers arms tightly and stare fixedly at his eyes.  They usually stop
> struggling within seconds and rapid breathing - which heightens the panic
> reflex - generally returns to near normal.  Pat and re-assure the OOA
diver
> and begin a controlled ascent while attending to any equipment details,
> (like weight belt or BCD hoses).

You are right of course, as reassurance will usually do the trick. And from
the front, it is suppose to be easier to confine the legs to prevent a
Polaris-type ascent (anyone tried this in real life? Does it work?).
Confused it with the unconscious diver rescue.

Cheers,
Poe Lim
[log in to unmask]

>
> Physical contact is re-assuring - but eye contact is better!  The
expresion
> that the eyes give enable a rescuer to read the complete spectrum of
> behaviour - from ecstatic relaxation to full-blown panic.  (But don't
> confuse the expression of anxiety with the usual distortion of the face
> produced by a tightly fitting mask.  Your buddy will think you've gone
nuts
> if you suddenly grab them and stare deeply into their eyes!)  :-)
>
> Strike
>