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Dive Emergency Action Card

The steps that matter when a diver surfaces unwell, on one card. Print it, fold it, and keep it in your save-a-dive kit and on the boat. Built to be glanced at in a real emergency, not read cover to cover.

Diving Emergency

Action Card

donarundas.com

Suspect it if, after a dive…

  • Joint or limb pain, unusual heavy fatigue
  • Numbness, tingling, weakness
  • Dizziness, vertigo, trouble walking
  • Skin rash or marbling
  • Confusion, vision or speech trouble, breathlessness
  • Stroke-like signs within minutes of surfacing (gas embolism)

Anything neurological = emergency. When in doubt, treat it.

Do this now

  1. Oxygen. 100% O₂ via a tight non-rebreather mask, continuously.
  2. Lay flat. Horizontal, kept warm. Don't delay O₂ to position them.
  3. Fluids. Water if fully alert and able to swallow.
  4. Call. A diving emergency hotline + local emergency services.
  5. Evacuate to the nearest recompression chamber.

Do not "wait and see." Symptoms can ease, then worsen.

DAN diving emergency lines (24/7)

Americas +1-919-684-9111 Asia-Pacific +65-6492-9299 Europe +39-06-4211-8685 Local EMS ___________________

Education, not medical advice. Get trained, dive within your limits, and get a dive-medical check. Full guide: donarundas.com/depth-notes/safety/decompression-sickness