Emergency Procedures
 

In the event of an emergency, the best plan is to exit the water from the beach and then go to the parking lot. There is always going to be people around so make sure to tell them to contact 911 and tell them why. The hospital is only 6 minutes away by google maps. You will also have great reception so if there is no one around call yourself if need be. Remember to always have an emergency kit, the list below is some items that should be included.

 

 

Low -air / out of air situation: In case this happens, ascend to the surface immediately using standard surfacing techniques. Ascend slowly looking up to see any boats that might be in the area. Surface swim back to the entry / exit point at a slow but comfortable pace. (Remember to always check your SPG  to ensure this doesn’t happen)

 

Buddy separation: Stay down and look for 1 minute (look for bubbles) if not found proceed to the surface with a controlled ascent looking up and around for anything over head you might run into. Make yourself positively buoyant wait a short time, if your buddy doesn’t return to the surface, proceed to the entry / exit point and contact emergency assistance.

 

Injured diver: If your buddy receives a marine life injury, return to the shore immediately then assess the situation and contact medical assistance if required. If injury is due to marine life make sure you take the steps to avoid being hurt yourself. (Don’t make the lobsters mad to ensure this doesn’t happen)

 

Near -drowning situation: Lung injury, or decompression illness. Get the injured party to shore and contact Emergency assistance immediately. Provide oxygen if you have it on hand .

 

Emergency Assistance Numbers

• 911

• Police \RCMP:911

• Search and Rescue:911

• DAN (divers alert network):(919) 684-8111 or (919) 684-4326

• Marine VHF:Channel 16

• Recompression Chamber:(902) 473-7998

 

 

First Aid Kit List

Safety First

In first aid, you need to protect yourself before administering treatment. That means every first aid kit needs to include protective equipment:

 

• Nitrile or latex gloves

• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) mask

 

Basic Supplies

Equip your kit with basic supplies to handle a range of injuries. Basic kit supplies include:

 

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• Safety pins

• Soap or sanitizer

• Antiseptic solution

• Assorted bandages including adhesive and triangular

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• Adhesive tape

• Cold packs and/or heat packs

• Aloe Vera

• Irrigation syringe

• Plastic bags for contaminated material storage

• Pen and paper or pencil and dive slate

• Flashlight or headlamp

 

 

Medications

All kits should include some basic medications but administering medications may not be within your scope of practice. Laws vary regarding administration of medication so you’ll want to be up on what is allowed in your area. Remember, never provide any medication without first asking the person if they have any allergies. A typical kit might include the following:

 

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• Anti-inflammatory medication containing ibuprofen (Advil®/Motrin®)

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol®)

• Antihistamines containing diphenhydramine (Benadryl®)

• Anti-diarrheal medications containing loperamide (Imodium®)

• Hydrocortisone cream

 

 

Customize

A first aid kit for diving should also include several specialized items. Remember, you should only provide care within the scope of your training. Some of these items include:

 

• A bottle of vinegar to manage jellyfish stings

• Oxygen equipment including cylinder, demand inhalator valve, non-rebreather mask and oronasal resuscitation mask

• Tincture of benzoin so bandages adhere to wet skin better

• Meclizine (Bonine) or dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) for seasickness

 

Emergency Essentials

The additional emergency equipment you might consider depends on where you are and where you’re going. Some important components include:

 

• A means of conveying emergency information such as mobile phone, satellite phone or marine radio

• List of emergency contact information, including the DAN Emergency Hotline number: 1 919 684 9111

• Insurance cards

• List of allergies, prescription medications and medical conditions

• Emergency blanket

• Emergency manuals relevant to your trip (such as hazardous marine life first aid guides)

 

Pack it all up in a waterproof case, and you are ready to go. You should review and assess the state of your kit quarterly – you’ll want to make sure you replenish anything you’ve used or any expired supplies.