We all know that diving comes with certain risks attached, and as divers, we are more than happy to accept those risks, knowing that with the right training, proper equipment, a good plan, and good dive buddies, we can make it through just about anything. But what happens when things start to go wrong and panic sets in? With this question in mind, we’re analyzing the mechanics of panic, plus we’re providing a quick refresher in rescuing a panicked scuba diver.
Panic and Diving: What Causes it, and Some Signs it Could be Setting In
Panic isn’t terribly uncommon; after all, the mind has a way of convincing us that we should be terrified of certain things. Unfortunately, panicking while diving is much more dangerous than panicking while topside; if you panic underwater, you could be injured or killed, and you could cause harm to others in the process.
There are a few things that can cause a diver to panic, but among them, one stands out as most dangerous: nitrogen narcosis. Nitrogen narcosis is one of the biggest contributing factors to panic, convincing the body and mind to react to various sensations and outside stimuli in an unusual manner. It also has a tendency to exaggerate existing feelings, and when a diver is anxious, he or she is much more likely to panic when narcosis ensues than a diver who normally feels relaxed and confident underwater. Keeping an eye on your buddy and watching your own feelings goes a long way toward preventing narcosis, and it’s easy to reverse by ascending even by a few meters.
Some other causes of or contributors to diver panic include:
- Stress
- Cold
- Fear of equipment failure
- Fear of marine life
- Strong underwater currents
- Peer pressure
- Fear of the unknown
Signs of diver panic can be hard to spot, particularly if you are not right next to your buddy; many of these signs are ones we need to watch for in ourselves and stop before the panic becomes overwhelming and gets out of control. Signs include:
- Sweating
- Increased heart rate
- Faster breathing rate
- Feelings of breathlessness – can’t get enough air
- Chest pain
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Chills
- Hot flashes
There are many ways to discover whether a diver is stressed either before or during a dive. If you’re diving as a single and are choosing an unfamiliar dive buddy, watch for behaviors that indicate that the other person could be in danger of panicking, and consider choosing a better match for yourself. Some signs that a potential dive buddy could be in danger of panicking include excessive introversion, extreme overconfidence, unnatural forgetfulness, irritability, or talking about nervousness or stress about undertaking a specific dive.
Signs a diver could be panicking while underwater include:
- A wide-eyed, staring look or a blank-faced expression
- Trying to pull away from dive equipment
- Fumbling with equipment or struggling for no apparent reason
- Trying to swim to the surface at an inappropriate time
- Not swimming normally
- Clinging to objects
- Clambering as though trying to climb an object such as a submerged rock or reef structure
Mild panic might not seem like such a problem, but it can quickly get out of hand. Most diver-related deaths are related to panic in some way, and when a diver drowns, panic is typically somewhere in the equation. If you notice signs of discomfort or panic in yourself or someone else, it’s time to seek an immediate solution.
How to Handle a Diver Panic Attack
If you notice that you are beginning to feel panicked while diving, reassure yourself and focus on taking normal breaths in a carefully controlled manner. Determine why you are panicking, and alert your dive buddy of the problem. Then start working to get yourself out of the situation you are in – it may take just 10 deep breaths to normalize your thinking. It can also help to visualize yourself going through basic safety procedures or skillsets.
When another diver is panicking, it is vital that you do your best to reassure him or her while determining what is happening. There have been times when panicked divers in out of air situations have forgotten how to buddy breathe correctly, and some panicked divers derail rescue attempts by clinging to or clawing at rescuers. Be sure that you take appropriate steps in assessing the situation, and be sure that you look out for your own safety while helping the diver who is panicking.
Be cautious if you need to help a panicked diver get to the surface. Try to maintain eye contact if possible, and be very careful not to ascend too rapidly, as this can cause arterial gas embolism, which all too often leads to death. If the panicked diver is trying to ascend rapidly on his or her own, try to get them to slow down. If the other diver is out of air, try buddy breathing or offer him or her your secondary air supply.
If a panicked diver makes an uncontrolled ascent, you can make your own ascent, taking an accelerated safety stop. Risking your own life won’t help the situation; in fact, it will make things much worse for all concerned, including other rescuers.
In cases of entanglement, panic is often a factor, particularly for newer divers or for divers who are also having trouble with nitrogen narcosis. Approach the entangled person carefully, trying to maintain eye contact. If you have a slate, write a quick message stating your intent to cut the line or net. Hold the person’s entangled body part still while you free him or her. Even this simple act of contact can provide reassurance and help to instill a sense of calm. Once the diver has been freed, assess him or her for injuries; if a struggle was involved, he or she may have serious cuts that require first aid.
In a panic situation, time is of the essence, and so is rationale. Unless you or someone else intervenes rapidly and rationally, the person who is panicking could spiral out of control and drown. By maintaining constant communication with your dive buddy and continually assessing your emotional state, you go a long way toward preventing panic in the first place – and that is definitely worth the effort.
Comments
This happen to me, was terrible