Catalogue of errors in 1 dive

[applepie]

Mistakes listed here with story below

1. No planning
2. Inappropriate kit
3. Reverse profile
4. Denial - should have called DDRC

I led a dive with a not so experienced buddy and our first dive went ace. On the 2nd dive, I did no planning at all besides a vague idea of a plan and the dive start was dictated by the sun/light levels so surface interval was shorter than what I would deem appropriate. I knew roughly what code we were on and we would be doing some deco (which my buddy has never done or very limited no. times).

My computer batt was dying, my backup which I just collected from a friend who had just dived so was on a competely different profile than me (shallower & shorter dive)

The dive turned out to be alot murkier and colder than expected, I did find the wreck and we had a play before ascending due to the cold. I only had 1 torch, buddy none, buddy separation was a real risk vis below 1m (you will see why I was concerned about this). This stressed me a fair bit but buddy was happy/oblivios. We had gone deeper than anticipated for longer, I had noted it but buddy was having alot of fun so I decided to extend the dive a bit (bad idea).

Now I knew we had deco obligations but had no idea what it was. Buddy has no computer. I left my tables out of my pocket (weird I hardly ever take them out). My main computer - batt failed. Backup comp incorrect due to friends prev usage.

I calculated roughly what it was and added additional fudge factor. I basically made it up and strangely my buddy didnt notice despite extending/changing it a few times. He assumed I knew what I was doing.

Finished dive no probs. Next day, my little finger was numb at the tip with slight shoulder discomfort. Immediate thought shit call DDRC but decided not to.

Later evening, numbness moved to elbow joint area. Still thought meh it will be alright, must be something else.

next day, shoulder and elbow feel funny-ish on and off. Numbness and weird pin prick kinda sensation. I didnt do anything and continued to experience minor symptoms like that for 2 weeks. I never called the DDRC although it did play on my mind a bit. but put it off thinking it was too late, it will sort itself out if its a minor bend plus err having to inform them of my stupidity + crap/no planning

buddy was fine (I called and checked), I might have taken a hit because I was dehydrated (fair amount drinking day before) and cold (dry suit leaked slightly).

as a side note, I have called the RN before and got laughed at (seriously, literally). but still no excuse.

further notes, I never did check my deco requirement properly post dive, might do late. Did 15mins@6m , I calculated we required between 8-12mins@6m.

combination of stupidity (alot), overconfidence and denial. Please do not repeat.

*Correction 7/01/2007* - Apologies I didnt call the DDRC but it was the RN doctor. Sorry, my memory is abit unclear, it was a while ago. I put it down to it being a bad day for the person I spoke to, arguably this is no excuse. but under stress/work load, these things do happen.

[GLOC]

Thanks for that.

The best part is you are still here, you know what you did (wrong) and you know what to do in the future to prevent it from happening again.

Hopefully others will now too.

Thank you.

[Prometheus]

Interesting , at what point did you get back in the water after knowing in the back of your mind that you probably had a minor bend.

[applepie]

I had 5-6 weeks off, it was more a confidence/psychological blow than a physical concern.

Part of the denial IMHO is, the fact that if I admitted I was bent then it means there is a very high chance of my buddy being bent as well and it was my fault.

trust me that was the worst part of the whole thing, and your mate thinks your weird when you keep on calling to check up on him.

honestly, it really sucks when you've put your buddy who trusts you into a very bad situation. plus he does not seem to be aware of the possible consequences despite chatting to him about it.

oh yeah and its a good idea to end the dive when your computer alarm is going off every few mins (from low batt) instead of ignoring it or when looking at your depth&time and realising you should be going up now. if i recall it was +5-8mins-ish over my final cut-off dive time.

Note: the prev deco profile briefly provided above is incomplete (discounted deeper stops) and based on my memory. I can dig it up if wanted.

[divingdancer]

first time I have read this section of the forum. Cannot believe that you had phoned DDRC previously and they had 'laughed'. surely people call them to check their health out because they are worried and should not be laughed at. I would expect a more professional attitude from DDRc

[applepie]

I was actually going to correct, my post since I actually remembered now that I didnt call the DDRC that time, it was the RN doctor.

It was for a minor symptom, next morning my back felt like it was on fire with severe itching (no rash) and I had mild headaches post dive. I cannot remember the exact conversation. I was advised to wait a few hours and call back only if a rash develops.

I know people/friends who have had nothing but absolutely top professional service from the DDRC (above and beyond what I would consider the req. level of service). Apologies if my original statement has given them a negative light.