6
Art and Science of Rebreather Diving:
Deeper Access & Deeper Trouble
Presented by Richard Vann, PhD
Experience and available data indicate that rebreathers
enable deeper and longer dives by virtue of lower gas supply
requirements than would be possible or practical with open-
circuit scuba. But these dives are also associated with a
5-10 times greater incidence of fatalities than for open-circuit
scuba due to more hazardous depth-time profiles and greater
equipment and operational complexity. A strong community
focus on mastering these issues was indicated at the 2012
Rebreather Forum 3 (RF3). The key points presented at RF3 will
be reviewed.
Critical Thinking of Postdive Symptoms
Presented by Matias Nochetto, MD
Postdive symptoms are often assumed to reflect a decompression
injury, but they may indicate an array of health or environmental
issues. This highly interactive session will present sample cases
from the DAN Emergency Hotline, offering firsthand experience
of the challenges faced in gathering and interpreting information
reported from the field. Learn valuable frameworks of assessing
and managing dive-related scenarios.
Elements of an Emergency Action Plan
Presented by Marty McCafferty, EMT-P, DMT-A
An Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is a worthwhile element of
dive preparedness, though many plans tend to be too simple
or too broad in scope. The information these plans contain
can make a true difference in an emergency situation. This
presentation explores the essential information contained in an
EAP and the reasons for being selective with what is added to
the plan. In addition, first aid training as well as EAP rehearsal
and implementation strategies are also discussed. With proper
preparation, training and execution, the EAP can be indispensable
in an emergency.
Evaluating Information Related to Diving
- Increasing Your Critical Thinking
Presented by Marty McCafferty, EMT-P, DMT-A
When it comes to diving, there is a staggering amount of
information and speculation. It is often difficult to differentiate
between scientifically-established fact, reasonable conjecture,
expert opinion, amateurish opinion and incorrect assertions.
This presentation will review current topics in diving safety
and evaluate the foundations for the positions held to create a
framework for critical evaluation of information.
Evidence-Based Decompression
Presented by Richard Vann, PhD
Decompression sickness (DCS) is a significant problem in
both diving and tunneling, and the lessons from each field are
mutually supportive. DCS probability is a useful metric of safety
where safety is determined by the probability judged acceptable.
DCS probabilities are estimated from pressure-time profiles and
DCS outcomes. Because environmental conditions influence
bubble formation and inert gas exchange, probability estimates
must be based on exposure data for the environment of interest.
DCS probabilities are estimated with decompression models,
exposure data and statistical methods that fit the models to
data. Evaluation and selection of decompression schedules
follows from this process.
In-water Recompression: Pros and Cons
Presented by Matias Nochetto, MD
The rationale of using pressure to treat DCS is relatively easy to
understand, but does in-water treatment offer the same benefits
as in a hyperbaric chamber? In-water recompression may be an
appropriate option, particularly for remote diving operations, but
the hazards must be considered. This lecture will consider the
pros and cons of in-water recompression to help prepare those
who may face this critical decision.
Marine Life Toxinology:
What the Dive Leader Should Know
Presented by Matias Nochetto, MD
Observing marine life is one of the main reasons many people
dive; it is also the reason some people are afraid to dive. Tropical
reefs are one of the most complex and diverse ecosystems,
offering a glimpse at nature’s beauty as well as its chemical and
toxinological fury. This lecture will consider relevant toxinological
aspects of life and strategies for marine injury management,
focusing on an evidence-based approach to first aid.
Seminar Descriptions
A team of doctors, researchers and medical experts will discuss important research
developments and identify critical elements in dive safety. Seminars are open to all and
free to attend. Follow @DAN_America on Twitter for highlights and to schedule reminders:
#DAN13DEMA.
