| Mark
Yes I am a diver – 30 years, BSAC First Class Diver and Advanced Instructor. I also owned my own diving centre for eight years – I know what I’m talking about!
If, after a dive, you put yourself on O2 why not tell the Coastguard? What are you afraid of? When you finally get round to calling for a chopper do you think it will miraculously appear over the horizon in a matter of minutes – very unlikely.
Helicopters are not like cars – you don’t just jump in, turn a key and away you go. If the helicopter is on the ground it will take at least 15 minutes to get it in the air plus flying time. If it’s not on the ground it may be on another job at the other side of the country in which case we have start searching for another, which is available. This one may be an hours flying time away, or more – there aren’t that many SAR Helicopters. If there isn’t one available we then have to start thinking about Lifeboats, ambulances, coastguard teams etc. We then need to find a chamber to take you to – again the nearest available may be at the other end of the country.
By the way not all divers who have a bend know that they do. There was a famous case a few years ago where a diver had a really bad cerebral bend but didn’t realise it. Even though the diver was behaving bizarrely the rest of the dive party did nothing to summon help – I believe they were prosecuted.
One last point boat skippers don’t send for choppers. SAR Helicopters are tasked on the recommendation of expert medical advice.
Do yourself a favour Mark, be prepared to admit that you are worried you might have a bend and tell us. If the “arm still hurts” then fair enough but if the “pain comes back” then you’ll get to the chamber so much sooner. You’re the one who could end up paralysed. It’s all about self help. |