Emergency Action Plans

[Jinxy]

I'm in the middle of doing my PADI rescue course..just got a few things left to do, which is being done on Sunday. One of the things is my emergency action plan.

Can anyone give me any helpful hints about what should go into the plan and how much detail should be put on the plan...?

Thanks in advance

Jinxy

[sas steve]

Originally Posted by Jinxy

I'm in the middle of doing my PADI rescue course..just got a few things left to do, which is being done on Sunday. One of the things is my emergency action plan.

Can anyone give me any helpful hints about what should go into the plan and how much detail should be put on the plan...?

Thanks in advance

Jinxy

For a specific dive site.
Nearest (Working) telephone, Not relying on Mobiles alone.
Nearest Hospital + Number
Nearest Chamber+ Number
Where your first aid kit is before the dive and that it has been checked.
Where you O2 kit is and that it works.

A few suggestions Just as a starter.

Steve

[bythesea]

As above, maybe include travel time to the hospital/chamber, a call to an ambulance will have the casualty arrive at A&E where as a chopper air lift is more likely to have them arrive direct to a chamber, bear this in mind, the casualty may require A&E but if it is a suspected bend then straight to the chamber is better. Ambulances are required by protocol to deliver straight to A&E, would it be quicker to drive them there yourself. Do you have enough O2 for TWO divers to suck on while being transported/awaiting assistance.

How is the person going to be removed from the water, are you on a boat, if so is the dive site close to shore/harbour, how would you inform the coastgaurd and what info would they need?

Visit the coastgaurd website, may be useful info on there, dont be afraid to ring a chamber such as DDRC, they will be only to happy to explain proceedure to you.

[Pioneer 10]

Hi Jinxy, I've never done any PADI stuff, but rescue skills ought to be the same everywhere. If you have to create a plan of action, then, when it comes to "Who to call?" remember, if you are inland then its the Police you call, not an Ambulance, and when you are on the coast or at sea it's the Coastguard. If at sea, call up the CG on VHF Channel 16, (when you have the skippers permission to do so), if on the shoreline, it's still the Coastguard, but you should only use the 999 telephone call, and ask for the Coastguard. Knowing the local coastguard number is a good idea, but sometimes it is simply best to dial 999, that number is ALWAYS answered, the local number may be engaged!
Hope this helps, and good luck!

[bythesea]

Originally Posted by Pioneer 10

remember, if you are inland then its the Police you call, not an Ambulance,

Interesting point, what is the thinking behind that then? Would never occur to me, I would always have thought an ambulance makes more sense, unless you suspect foul play?!?!

[Pioneer 10]

Hi, I can understand that. The Police are the co-ordinators of all inland/onland rescues, the Ambulance service is one of THEIR rescue resources! Think on a bit... if you were calling someone out for a rescue up a mountain, would you call the Ambulance?

When/if you need to call for help for a diving related incident inland (ie, NOT by the seaside/coast), call 999 and ask for the Police, give the nature of the incident (that there is a scuba diver in distress etc) how many people are in distress and your location. Try to give them your location as specifically as you can (there may be several Tarn Hows near you!), give them the Ordnance Survey co-ordinates from your OS maps, the name of your quarry/lake, what road layby you're on etc.

[TerryH]

Originally Posted by sas steve

For a specific dive site.
Nearest (Working) telephone, Not relying on Mobiles alone.
Nearest Hospital + Number
Nearest Chamber+ Number
Where your first aid kit is before the dive and that it has been checked.
Where you O2 kit is and that it works.

A few suggestions Just as a starter.

Steve

Just to add to that is allocate resources in advance.

Some simple questions can get some idea as to who ......
Can administer O2.
Is there anybody in the party that is a higher first aider than EFR.
If on a boat who can use the radio, drive the boat (it might be the skipper
that has a problem, ask Chris Evans).

Think if it went pair shaped, who would you ask to do what.

As for chambers, yes it's nice to have the number for a general enquiry,
but in an emergency deal with the coastguard first and they can patch
you through.

British Hyperbaric Association

Print this off. It's got the lot.

and of course this isnt shabby either.

http://www.ddrc.org/images/ddrcefc.pdf

http://www.ddrc.org/images/ddrcars.pdf

Remember that the local chamber maybe full, so part of the plan is to call
and find out first. You might have to head in another direction.

[Jinxy]

Thanks for the info, im in the middle of doing the plan now

I have taken on your suggestions, big day tomorrow

Im the one that will be knackard down in Stoney

Thanks again and ill let you know how i did or should i say WE LOL