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If the regulator mouthpiece remained or was placed
in the diver’s mouth without blocking the airway,
the next challenge would be administering air. Purge
buttons do not have any true regulatory capability.
They effectively override the second stage’s function
of stepping down gas from intermediate pressure to
ambient pressure and thereby deliver intermediate-
pressure gas directly from the first stage. Delivering
breathing gas to the lungs at too high a pressure may
overinflate them, potentially leading to serious injury. If
the diver’s airway is not maintained in an open position,
the breathing gas delivered by the purge button could
be forced into the stomach, causing gastric distention.
This places the diver at risk for regurgitation, which can
further compromise the airway and lead to aspiration.
Delivering rescue breaths using a pocket mask or
similar method provides tactile feedback via changes
in pressure required to ventilate the lungs; supplying
rescue breaths with the purge valve eliminates this
important feedback. Using a regulator’s purge valve also
precludes the option of supplementing the gas with 100
percent oxygen.
Rescue methods that are currently taught by dive-
training agencies are the result of years of practical
experience. Purge valves were never designed to
function as rescue equipment. When ventilating an
injured diver, rely on established methods.
AD
— Marty McCafferty, EMT-P, DMT
Ask Us!
The DAN Medical Information Line is here to answer
all your dive-related medical questions. You can
reach the medical staff during regular business hours
(Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET) by call-
ing
+1-919-684-2948, ext. 222.
You can also submit
an email at
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