Stories

Recognition is Essential

The DiverThe diver was an experienced 48-year-old female with more than 300 lifetime dives. Her medical history included hypertension that was well controlled with a...

01 July 2014

Assessing Basic Vital Signs

Assessing vital signs ("vitals") is a key component of good first aid. It consists of taking a series of simple measurements that provide data about...

01 July 2014

Stop the Drops!

 Ear and sinus injuries are the most common complaints among student and newer divers.Frequently divers surface complaining of a sensation of fullness in their ear(s)....

22 May 2014

A heart under pressure

 Diving is a very relaxing but also physically demanding hobby and descending several meters underneath the water surface means exposing the body to the pressure...

15 April 2014

Remember to Breathe

 QuestionIn basic open-water classes, divers are told "never to hold their breath" for fear of lung injuries due to the expansion of compressed gas during...

15 April 2014

All that tingles is not bends

Divers are taught to pay attention to any abnormal signs and symptoms after diving. They are instructed to consider them as being possible decompression illness...

14 April 2014