Sport

Abstract
After undertaking my emergency first response, primary and secondary care course with AED, I entered the market with zeal and energy, yet with utter consciousness that the task ahead was not only challenging and recreational but it was risky too. During the cause we attained experience in responding to life-threatening emergencies. Similarly I had a chance to be introduced to general primary care through knowledge, realistic scenario and skills. This builds a lot of confidence in me and I developed an ability to provide any care whenever any emergency arose.

It need be also mentioned that rescue diving does not necessarily refer such activities as those related to victims of risk. However rescue diving is also taken as a sport. In recreational diving the necessity of the salvage and the remoteness of lunge sites mean that trained rescuers rarely get involved in diver rescues. Subsequently other divers on the scene become rescuers. During training both the two elements of diving are handled concurrently. Where the rescue involves a number of people, coordination is tidal in ensuring that the rescue is faster and effectively administered. Some agencies offer courses that are meant to prepare the divers for such recreational purposes.

Experiences as Rescuer Diver
In 2008 I was offered a job as a voluntary rescue diver at Northern Samar in the United Kingdom. At this point I was highly charged and wanted to feel the real taste of the diving skills I and interacted with at college. On the early morning of 13 March 2008, Jameson, my director made a call at an unusual time. It was at 5.30 pm UK time. I got out of my bed changed very fast and harried to his office. At the office it was unusually crowded and I smelled a rat. Something has gone amiss, I said to myself as I trotted in.

He looked at me and pointed a finger at the other door, change very fast, he said as I moved fast to the door to change. Once I had changed I came back to the office. Rush to the beach, there is an emergency, take all the necessary precautions, he added. I moved out swiftly. I knew time had come for me to practice what I had acquired in class back in Saudi.

On my way I tried to recollect the procedure. It was hard particularly now that I had not known the type of emergence that was before me. At the beach, Hoover was in command. Make reference to your manuals, Hoover commanded. Everybody turned to their manuals. I had not carried one. Hi David, the manual, he implored. Everyone turned to look at me. I did not carry one, I said. He looked at me sternly. Jeff came to my rescue. We shared the manual.

He appears to be trapped somewhere. Hoover added.

Everybody turned to the manual.

We were staring at the manuals in a splash second

Locating the Casualty
It is sometimes difficult to locate the casualty under water. This could happen in low visibility situations. This could be in currents or in enclosed spaces such as shipwrecks and caves. Sometimes it happens where the dive is not using breather that do not releases a sufficient bubbles that could be identified from the surface. In cases of this magnitude we were expected to use surface marker buoys, distance lines, diving shots strobe lights and light sticks to indicate the spot of the victim to the surface. In operations of this nature we were advised to approach it with a lot of caution. Distance lines were used to mark the exit point which may be required when the diver has his bubbles and fins dislodged. Jackstay search and circular searches were used in such cases though they needed practice and proper preparations so as to be used effectively.

Has everybody gone thought the manual

Everybody nodded
David has to carry out this minor rescue.

Minor, I thought. He had just used the word minor. What did he mean Was this rescue that easy my heart was throbbing. I had not done it before except during learning. This was a really encounter. Definitely once I am beside the casualty I will need to rescue him from wherever he is trapped. That is if Hoovers prediction was right. I read through the manual, ready to get into action. I also read through providing emergence gas and how I would bring the casualty to the surface.

Freeing a trapped casualty
Divers are sometimes trapped in fishing net. However the monofilaments are not visible under water. Some ropes found in water can also prove quite unsafe for divers. Divers may also find themselves in tight points were their equipments can not pass (U S water rescue diving). Subsequently, they may just be trapped. To avert this divers are expected to carry a knife which can be used to dislodge this traps. Similarly lifting bags are also carried and they can be used in assisting to move any heavy objects that are under water.

I transferred to Mexico in March and was put in charge of a slim platoon of 8 divers. At that office challenges were abound and I was answerable directly to the chief officer in charge of emergency operations. I reported to him every Monday Wednesday and Friday. On all my visits I presented a report on the goings-on and had a professional discussion briefly before he give directions if there were any.  Presumably the chief officer was apprehensive of my performance was very cordial in his approach to me.

In May the chief officer was transferred and a new officer was put in charge. I was still directly reporting to her. She was very strict with substantive professional experience and treated all the platoon heads with utmost decorum. However, one could not read her moods as easily as the former chief in charge. On your first interaction with her she appeared so intimated with you. Yet we later learnt that that was her nature of handling subordinates.

Miss Mitchell was no nonsense, yet on her face you could not read this. Occasionally she spent most of her time relaxing with the platoons at the beach reading novels particularly by Grisham. On such occasions she would excitedly share her experiences plausible experience. From the sharing one would always realize that she had a wealth of experience. Time and again miss Mitchell crack a joke but in a very pensive manner. She offered the best of the bosses on first interaction and at face value.

Since the 2008 episodes there had been minor accidents. However in winter challenges were abound and I almost took off from the profession I had utterly revered. That day I captured the least sleep. This was just of the worst day that was in the offing. It was June 26th 2009. I rolled again and again in my bed without getting a wink. At 0646hours my phone rung and suddenly went off. I had just forgotten to charge the phone. I hurriedly woke up and took the phone to have it charged. I was very nervous. Who could it be Pensively, I thought to myself as I fitted the charger. Once I had fixed the charger, I switched on the phone. It was Miss Mitchell who was trying to call.

Why this time I thought, an emergence.
It was unusual for Miss Mitchell to call me at this time of the morning. Within me, there was a strong feeling of quilt. Definitely, she should have been feeling that I had switched off the phone. I went to the bathroom to have a bath. The water was quite cold very cold. After making a few tries I managed to shower. Back in the bedroom and I had five missed calls. I checked the missed calls. They were from Madam Mitchell Indeed the calls should have infuriated her. First the phone went off, and then unanswered calls. I become nervous. I dressed up hurriedly. I went to the kitchen to make a cup of coffee. Back in the bedroom three more missed calls. Ridiculously from miss Mitchell I had to forego the coffee and leave hurriedly.

On my way out, another call, Madam Mitchell, I hesitated but realized this would be aggravating the whole issue. I received the call. She gave straight commands that I rash to the office.

I drove to the office relatively fast and was in such suspense that I would not waste a single minute to meet Madam Mitchell. I entered her office and the mood was relatively tense. She was pacing. When she saw me she took her position. I tried to read on her face what was happening to the least avail.

After questioning the morning episode she went direct to the point.
Five people may have drowned at the beach. Eight minutes ago. She said, at the time I was calling you, there were very powerful waves at the beach and had been called to make all platoon alert. Has happened, let us leave. She finished and was immediately on her way out.

We were at the beach within 2 minutes and it was all systems go. I changed in to the d rescue gear and swung into operation the members of my platoon were already on the ground. The rescue was not as complicated but what made the day worth space in this discourse was the rescue of one the rescue crew from platoon Six. My platoon was Number Three.  Apparently, the rescuer had fallen short of gas. I went back to my manual and within a short time there were concerted efforts to ensure we save the rescuer.

Provisions of Emergency Gas
Diving accidents are largely caused by shortage of gas. This would be brought about as a result of failure to close monitor the consumption of the gas on the content pressure gauge. Besides, divers may just underestimate the quantity of gas required for ascension and decompression points.  If the diver goes too deep them there is a high likelihood that the gas would just fall short. Besides, the shortage would be caused by excessive psychological stress or over exercising (Point Pleasant Rescue Dive Team). Similarly, if the equipment fails as a result of leaking in the gas bag it can lead to the gas being insufficient leading to an imminent shortage of gas.

Bringing Casualties to the Surface
Where a casualty has run out of gas and is utilizing the gas directly from the rescuer there is need to make sure the casualty and the rescuer remain close to each other. Besides, the rescues may be complicated further by the fact that the casualty may just become quite buoyant. In the event that this happens, the buoyancy devices can expand and provide buoyancy. If the casualty can not ascent due to injury then a controlled buoyant lifts are utilized in the ascent. Further if the casualty is not buoyant enough, one explores the likelihood of inflating the victims buoyancy compressor by lifting of the seabed and venting it to effect a controlled ascent.  

Making Casualties Buoyant On the Surface
Once the casualty is relatively safe on the surface, it is of import that we ensure the casualty does not descend again. To make the victim buoyant, buoyant compressors are inflated. Ideally this is a routine surfacing drill in training in most schemes. One is advised not to rely on the gas in the dry suit. This is because this may sometimes cause the legs of the victim more buoyant, it may subsequently result into mobility troubles. It need be mentioned that divers who have almost run out of air may not be able inflate the compressor using the simple and normal technique of pressing the jab valve. When such difficulties are encountered then integrated gas can come in handy for use.

Within Water Artificial Ventilation
In cases where the casualty is not able to breath, it is worth to restart respiration by artificial ventilation at the surface of water (Rescue diver primary and secondary experiences). The principle working properties of Artificial Ventilation is that first the rescuer and the casualty remains buoyant. The two should remain side by side. Further the rescuer can inhale some air into the casualty to ensure the casualtys lungs are filled with gas.

Attracting Assistance and Support
At this point in the rescue urgent help is required. More often, the only person that can offer that help is nearby boat user or people at shore. Unless the crisis facilities are very near or the rescue is outside the capacity of the available rescuers, they will not be on the scene fast enough to be avail the needed help. Commonly, with a small set of rescuers the disaster services would only be contacted if the likelihood of reaching the casualty out of water has taken place.

Often the rescue can be made fast by bring the boat to the casualty instead of the rescuer towing the casualty to safety. Once on the surface the chance of being salvaged are always very high. Communication for the sake of the rescue can be quite effective once the victim is on the surface.

Towing Of the Casualty
In cases where the casualty is incapacitated assistance would be required to tow the casualty to a safer place. However if we tow the casualty it could consume quite some time. This is particularly challenging where the waters are quite rough. Ultimately, it is more advisable to use a boat than to tow the casualty to safety. An alternative would be the use of ropes that can be used to drag the two to safety.

Getting the Casualty Out Of Water
Immediately lifting the casualty out of the water is a considerable problem particularly where the rescuers are fewer, or in a rough sea, or where the positioning is beyond the reach of the boat. In such cases, ropes can be used to lift the casualty and the rescuer. The use of the rope may be dangerous and should be used with a lot of caution. It may cause complications such as asphyxia particularly if the rope tightens and interferes with the breathing system. The rope should, when possible be doubled to increases the contact surface to avoid high lifting pressure being exerted on the neck of the casualty.

Provision of Requisite First Aid
Once the casualty has been safely taken out of water, before the casualty is rushed to the hospital for further treatment there is need for offering first aid. When the casualty is not able to breathe artificial respiration is required forthwith (Point Pleasant Rescue Dive Team). This should be continued until the casualty is resuscitated. This should be prompt to increases the chances of survival of the casualty. If there are not signs of circulation, there may be the need for compression of the chest. In cases where there are sufficient resources the casualty can be airlifted for specialized medical attention.

Rescue Precautions
As much as the life of the casualty is of great importance, the rescuer should not take much risk. Rescuing the both the casualty and the rescuer may just pose a double tragedy. Besides, if the rescuer is at risk it jeopardizes the likelihood of salvaging the casualty.  

Conscious victims may be terrified and put the rescuers life at equal risk. This is common in cases where the rescuer is approaching the victim under water. It is possible to shun reaching a panicking victim by the rescuers who throws a rope. This would be as good as encouraging the victim to take care of themselves. Where contact has to be made, an approach should be done from a point with the least risk, particularly from behind. Another option with the least feasibility would be waiting until the casualty is incapable of doing anything before approaching the casualty.

This discussion has not captured all the rescue operations and the few mentioned were to simply provide an overview of application of the skills acquired at the college. The table below shows all rescue operation through my work experience.

Table of Experiences as a Rescue Diver
Having given an overview of what may course imputed in me I wish to give a brief of my experience thereof as a rescue diver.

DatePlace Role played.Nature of rescue operationComments2nd Mar. 08United KingdomVolunteer rescuerProvision of emergence gas.

A victim who was using a leaking gas cylinder happened to be stranded in the beach. The boy was 12 years. I saved the boy single-handedly Very successful17th Mar. 08United KingdomVolunteer rescuerFreeing a trapped casualty

A visiting tourist was trapped in the rock under water. The tourist was noted after we realized the bubbles were coming from a constant point. I managed to save the tourist after frantic efforts I was injured in my left foot.Successful amid challenges1st Apr. 08 United KingdomVolunteer rescuerSport diver broke a neck born while diving in the far off water.

Because of the buoyancy problem we had to work with Brett to save the casualty. The casualty was saved but totally lost the neck born. Could on use a support to have the neck upright. Successful amid challenges2nd Apr. 08 United KingdomRecruit rescuer  Getting casualty out of water.

A casualty was stuck in the beach and passed on. We had to have the body out of the beach. This was my first experience with a dead case.Tedious but successful

2nd Sept. 08Indonesia Employee Sport diver broke the limb born while diving in the far off water.
We worked as a pair Garson to save the casualty. The casualty was saved but totally lost the neck born. Could on use a support to have the neck upright. The victim was rushed to hospital 3rd Dec. 08Indonesia Employee First aid for the casualty

The casualty made his way to the banks of the beach but was short of breath we have to resuscitate him. We resuscitate him and rushed him to hospitalCasualty regained good health12th Jan. 09 Indonesia Employee Provision of emergence gas.

The casualty overused the reserve gas and ran short of breathing gas. We had to drag him out of the deep waters as we provided gas to sustain him to the bank.Tedious but successful

13 May 09Mexico Employee A casualty was trapped after using most of the gas. The tourist was noted after we realized the bubbles were coming from a constant point. I managed to save the tourist after frantic efforts I was injured in my left foot.The victim was rushed to hospital 10th Jun. 09Mexico Head of platoon A boat sunk with several occupants aboard. I had to ensure that everything was timely done to ensure that all the casualties were saved. Mine was to supervise the members of the platoon  Most casualties were saved except one who passed away at the hospital26th Jun. 09 Mexico Head of platoonRescue of a rescuer
Together with madam Mitchell after having securely saved the members who were aboard a boat, it was realized that one of the rescuers from platoon six had been trapped in the deep waters. We had to make all possible efforts to save himSuccessful at start but quite challenging when it came to saving the rescuer, need for refresher course was seen

From the table it is clear that the challenges in the field of rescuer diving are very many. However the preludes of the course coverage that have been mentioned here offer many options for solving the challenges. I look forward meeting even greater challenges to tickle my underlying capabilities.