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December 8, 2023
In the world of commercial diving, especially in saturation environments, safety is of utmost importance. Divers face unique and often harsh conditions undersea, with significant health risks including the potential for medical emergencies like cardiac arrests. Considering that a large proportion of divers are now over the age of 45, with a significant number over 60, the industry faces pressing challenges in ensuring their safety and wellbeing.
Saturation diving is a diving technique where divers live in a pressurised environment for extended periods and undergo decompression only once their work is completed. It is critical to offshore oil and gas operations and involves working in highly confined spaces such as diving bells for extended periods. These environments are physically restrictive and pose significant challenges for emergency medical care, although cases are exceptionally rare with the diving industry having a very good health and safety track record. The primary risk arises from delayed access to high-level medical care, rather than diving itself. The management of such emergencies in the cramped and remote quarters of a diving system is complex, thus necessitating innovative and adaptable solutions.
Addressing these challenges, recent research has focused on alternative methods for managing cardiac arrests in the limited space of a diving bell. Traditional chest compressions, essential in cardiac arrest management, are almost impossible to perform in such conditions. The findings revealed that, although conventional methods are often impractical, alternative techniques also have significant limitations. For instance, the study showed that only 32% of head-to-chest compressions reached the required depth, and this technique is now not recommended. Knee-to-chest and mechanical compressions are being further evaluated, but are looking promising.
The dynamic nature of commercial diving demands continuous learning and adaptation. By examining past incidents and current practices, the industry can develop new, more effective safety protocols. This ongoing research is essential for adapting to the changing demographics of commercial divers and ensuring their safety in challenging underwater environments.
Continuous learning is imperative in the dynamic field of commercial diving. Examining past incidents informs the development of more effective safety protocols. TAC Healthcare's MedDive service is invaluable, offering 24/7 emergency support, onshore medical advice, and actively contributing to research.
The evolving demographics of commercial divers demand adaptable safety practices. Organisations like TAC Healthcare's MedDive play a crucial role in this evolution, ensuring that ongoing research and collaborative efforts lead to safer diving practices in the future.
For the full Energy Voice article click here.
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