PADI Emergency Procedures & Rescue Techniques 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the maximum recommended depth at which in-water rescue breathing is practical?
- At the surface only (Correct answer)
- 3 meters (10 feet)
- 9 meters (30 feet)
- At any depth the rescuer can maintain buoyancy
Correct answer: At the surface only
In-water rescue breathing is performed only at the surface because effective mask-to-mouth ventilation is not practical underwater.
Question 2: A diver is displaying signs of nitrogen narcosis at 30 meters. What is the correct first response?
- Administer oxygen at the surface immediately
- Ascend the diver to a shallower depth where symptoms resolve (Correct answer)
- Give the diver a safety stop at 30 meters to allow equilibration
- Continue the dive and monitor the diver closely
Correct answer: Ascend the diver to a shallower depth where symptoms resolve
Nitrogen narcosis resolves rapidly when the diver ascends to shallower water, making controlled ascent the immediate treatment.
Question 3: Which factor MOST increases the risk of a diver requiring rescue during a dive?
- Using a wetsuit rather than a drysuit
- Diving beyond their training and experience level (Correct answer)
- Using nitrox instead of air
- Diving in warm water vs. cold water
Correct answer: Diving beyond their training and experience level
Exceeding one's training and experience level is the leading human factor in dive accidents requiring rescue interventions.
Question 4: When should a rescuer stop performing in-water rescue breathing and transition to full CPR?
- As soon as the victim is in shallow enough water to stand
- Once the victim is removed from the water and placed on a firm surface (Correct answer)
- When a second rescuer arrives to take over breathing
- After 10 minutes of rescue breathing with no response
Correct answer: Once the victim is removed from the water and placed on a firm surface
Effective chest compressions require a firm, stable surface, so CPR begins only after the victim is removed from the water.
Question 5: A diver surfaces complaining of severe fatigue, skin rashes, and joint pain 12 hours after a repetitive dive day. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- Severe seasickness
- Decompression sickness (DCS) (Correct answer)
- Hypoglycemia from exertion
- Delayed allergic reaction to wetsuit material
Correct answer: Decompression sickness (DCS)
Delayed onset of fatigue, skin rashes (cutis marmorata), and joint pain hours after diving are classic presentations of decompression sickness.
Question 6: Which action is CONTRAINDICATED when managing a diver suspected of having arterial gas embolism (AGE)?
- Administering 100% oxygen
- Placing the victim in the Trendelenburg (head-down) position (Correct answer)
- Arranging urgent evacuation to a hyperbaric facility
- Keeping the victim lying flat and still
Correct answer: Placing the victim in the Trendelenburg (head-down) position
The Trendelenburg position is no longer recommended for AGE because it can worsen cerebral edema; the victim should remain lying flat.
Question 7: What is the purpose of the 'exhausted diver' tow technique compared to the standard rescue tow?
- It is used only for unconscious divers
- It allows a cooperative but tired diver to rest while being towed with minimal rescuer effort (Correct answer)
- It keeps the diver face-down to prevent aspiration
- It is a faster tow used when the boat is far away
Correct answer: It allows a cooperative but tired diver to rest while being towed with minimal rescuer effort
The tired-diver tow lets a conscious, cooperative diver hold the rescuer's tank valve or shoulder while being propelled, conserving both parties' energy.
PADI Emergency Procedures & Rescue Techniques 5
What is the maximum recommended depth at which in-water rescue breathing is practical?