Mounting
evidence in recent years
points to administering
emergency oxygen as one
of the single most important
first aid steps for a diver
suspected of suffering from
decompression sickness,
lung overexpansion injury
or near drowning. Medical
case histories show repeatedly
that prompt oxygen first
aid can make a dramatic
difference in the patient's
immediate condition and
in the effectiveness of
subsequent treatment. You'll
learn more about these conditions
and oxygen administration
later; for now let's look
at emergency oxygen equipment
suitable for use by Rescue
Divers.
Emergency oxygen equipment
falls into three primary
categories: non resuscitator
demand valve units, continuous
flow units, and positive
pressure Resuscitator units.
Rescue Divers may use the
first two; the letter requires
special paramedic level
training because it can
injure a patient if used
improperly.
Non
resuscitator demand valve
units and continuous flow
units adequately meet the
needs of a dive emergency
