PADI Emergency & Rescue Procedures 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which symptom is MOST associated with arterial gas embolism (AGE) in a diver?
- Gradual fatigue over several hours
- Sudden loss of consciousness or neurological symptoms at or near the surface (Correct answer)
- Itching skin rash on the torso
- Mild joint pain appearing 12 hours after a dive
Correct answer: Sudden loss of consciousness or neurological symptoms at or near the surface
AGE typically presents with sudden, severe neurological symptoms such as unconsciousness or stroke-like signs occurring at or immediately after surfacing.
Question 2: What is the recommended position for transporting a diver suspected of decompression illness (DCI)?
- Sitting upright
- Lying on their left side with legs elevated
- Lying flat (supine) and kept still (Correct answer)
- Standing to encourage circulation
Correct answer: Lying flat (supine) and kept still
Injured divers with DCI should be kept lying flat to avoid bubble migration and kept still to minimize exertion.
Question 3: Why is 100% oxygen administered to a suspected decompression illness victim?
- It raises core body temperature
- It speeds rehydration
- It reduces nitrogen bubble size by increasing the diffusion gradient (Correct answer)
- It prevents arterial bleeding
Correct answer: It reduces nitrogen bubble size by increasing the diffusion gradient
Breathing 100% oxygen creates a large gradient that accelerates the off-gassing of nitrogen, helping to shrink bubbles causing DCI.
Question 4: During a rescue, you notice a diver floating face-down and unresponsive. After rolling them face-up, what is your FIRST assessment?
- Check for a pulse
- Check for breathing (Correct answer)
- Remove the diver's wetsuit
- Inflate the diver's BCD
Correct answer: Check for breathing
After rolling the diver face-up and opening the airway, immediately check for breathing as the first assessment step.
Question 5: What does the acronym STOP represent in diver stress management?
- Surface, Think, Observe, Proceed
- Slow down, Think, Observe, Plan
- Stop, Think, Orient, Plan (Correct answer)
- Stop, Tow, Observe, Proceed
Correct answer: Stop, Think, Orient, Plan
STOP (Stop, Think, Orient, Plan) is a cognitive tool divers use to interrupt panic and make rational decisions underwater.
Question 6: A diver becomes unresponsive underwater while you are with them. What should you do FIRST?
- Remove their regulator and insert yours
- Establish buoyancy and ascend with them (Correct answer)
- Signal other divers and wait for backup
- Begin rescue breaths underwater
Correct answer: Establish buoyancy and ascend with them
The immediate priority is to establish positive buoyancy for both divers and bring the unresponsive diver to the surface as quickly as safely possible.
Question 7: Which condition in a rescuer makes approaching a panicked diver especially dangerous?
- Rescuer is wearing a drysuit
- Rescuer and victim are the same size
- Rescuer is directly in front of the panicked diver within reach (Correct answer)
- Rescuer is downstream of the current
Correct answer: Rescuer is directly in front of the panicked diver within reach
A panicked diver will instinctively grab and climb on anyone within reach, potentially pushing the rescuer underwater.
PADI Emergency & Rescue Procedures 3
Which symptom is MOST associated with arterial gas embolism (AGE) in a diver?