PADI Emergency Procedures & Rescue Techniques 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A diver complains of a ringing in the ears and mild vertigo after a rapid ascent. What condition should you suspect?
- Middle ear squeeze on descent
- Inner ear DCS or inner ear barotrauma (Correct answer)
- Nitrogen narcosis
- Oxygen toxicity
Correct answer: Inner ear DCS or inner ear barotrauma
Tinnitus and vertigo following rapid ascent suggest inner ear decompression sickness or inner ear barotrauma, both requiring immediate evaluation.
Question 2: Which rescue skill involves approaching a distressed but conscious diver from behind to prevent being grabbed?
- Front approach with extended rescue tube
- Rear approach (Correct answer)
- Tired-diver tow
- Cross-chest carry
Correct answer: Rear approach
Approaching from behind keeps the rescuer out of the panicking diver's reach while still allowing control of the situation.
Question 3: What does the acronym STOP stand for in PADI's distress recognition response?
- Surface, Tow, Observe, Proceed
- Stop, Think, Observe, Plan (Correct answer)
- Signal, Talk, Orient, Protect
- Submerge, Turn, Orient, Propel
Correct answer: Stop, Think, Observe, Plan
STOP (Stop, Think, Observe, Plan) is a decision-making tool used by rescuers to avoid rushing into a rescue without assessing the situation.
Question 4: A scuba diver surfaces unconscious and is not breathing. After establishing buoyancy, what is your next priority?
- Remove the diver's weight belt and BCD
- Begin rescue breathing while towing toward the boat (Correct answer)
- Check for a pulse before doing anything else
- Radio for help before touching the diver
Correct answer: Begin rescue breathing while towing toward the boat
For an apneic, unresponsive diver, you should start in-water rescue breathing immediately while moving toward exit, since oxygen deprivation is the critical threat.
Question 5: What is the primary reason divers are taught to carry a surface marker buoy (SMB) as an emergency tool?
- To use as a flotation device for a distressed diver
- To signal their location to surface support and passing vessels (Correct answer)
- To mark an underwater hazard for other divers
- To inflate as a lift bag for a lost anchor
Correct answer: To signal their location to surface support and passing vessels
An SMB alerts surface support and boat traffic to a diver's position, which is critical during an emergency or drift situation.
Question 6: A fellow diver has a seizure underwater due to CNS oxygen toxicity. What is the correct immediate action?
- Hold the diver still and remove their regulator
- Maintain the diver's depth and protect them, then ascend once the seizure ends (Correct answer)
- Ascend immediately with the diver during the seizure
- Inflate the diver's BCD fully and let them ascend alone
Correct answer: Maintain the diver's depth and protect them, then ascend once the seizure ends
Ascending during an active seizure risks AGE because the diver cannot exhale; hold them at depth, secure the regulator, and ascend once the seizure stops.
Question 7: When is it appropriate to remove a diver's weight belt during a surface rescue?
- As the very first action before anything else
- Only after ensuring buoyancy is established and airway is open (Correct answer)
- Never—it should remain in place to keep the victim horizontal
- Only if the victim requests it verbally
Correct answer: Only after ensuring buoyancy is established and airway is open
Buoyancy and airway control come first; the weight belt can be removed once the diver is stable to improve natural buoyancy.
PADI Emergency Procedures & Rescue Techniques 3
A diver complains of a ringing in the ears and mild vertigo after a rapid ascent.
What condition should you suspect?