----- Original Message -----
From: "Lee Bell" <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: [SCUBA-SE] O2 tanks for boats [was: Emergency Procedures -
where'd u learn ? do you practice it ?]


> Poe Lim wrote:
>
> > I don't think the current recommendation by any agency is for in-water
> > recompression; there was an excellent article recently in a UK dive mag
on
> > in-water recompression (due to the remote location), and the equipment
> > required was not simple.
>
> I'm not sure we're talking about the same thing here.  One or more
agencies
> have or had procedures for missed decompression stop that stipulated a
> maximum time between reaching the surface and returning to complete
required
> decompression.  While that is a form of in water recompression, it's not
> what I'm referring to when I use those words.

No, and neither was I.

> When I use the term In water recompression, I mean a process used for
> someone who is showing serious DCS symptoms or is relatively sure to show
> them AND who is not close enough to the proper medical facilities to take
> effective advantage of them.  As you note, there are some specific process
> and equipment requirements for this and, in my opinion, it's something to
be
> reserved only as a last ditch effort to save a life.  Adding a full face
> mask to the equipment I have would complete the equipment part (I think),
> but even my 80 cubic foot O2 tank doesn't have enough gas to do it right.
> Given no other choice, I'd probably try in water recompression using the
> gases and equipment I presently have, but I'd have to believe it was a
> matter of life and death before I would.

The mag I was referring to is the April 2001 issue of Dive (appear to be the
BSAC's mag). They were going to Chuuk Lagoom, with no close by recompression
chamber, so they devised a table based on the Australian Short Oxygen table
(RAN 82). Starts at 9m, run time of between 2hrs 6mins and 3 hrs 6mins. Kit
consisted of an AGA full face mask, several O2 cylinders, a gas switching
block (Sarteck), a shot line with D-rings at prescribed depths and a
commercial diving harness to suspend the diver and attaching the O2
cylinder. One problem they had to consider was thermal protection for the
diver, as it's a long time to be in the water. Take a look at the issue of
you can find it.

I guess the choice you'll have to make is which would cause less harm;
putting someone on O2, and getting them to a chamber pronto (assuming there
is a chamber whithin 1-2 hours), or trying the recompression, with its
attendant risks. And also the issue of liability; some of the things we have
to do at work does not make sense, but we do it anyway, as when questioned,
we have can say "That's the accepted standard of care which is recognised by
the profession." Try something new and there are reams of paperwork to fill
out, letting everyone know that it is an experimental procedure that they
are undergoing, and that it is not an accepted standard etc etc. A consent
without all that is not an informed consent etc etc, and you can be
personally liable because the indemnity people will talk negligence and walk
away, so in your senario, the insurance you have with the boat may not cover
you at all.

Cheers,
Poe Lim
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