At significant depths, divers may encounter nitrogen narcosis, also known as "rapture of the deep".
The narcosis, what is it?
Narcosis is a neurological alteration induced by pressure. When diving, as you descend, you experience increased pressure due to the weight of the water. From a depth of about 30 meters, narcosis can manifest. The narcosis typically begins to be felt at shallow depths, but it can become significant starting from 60 meters.
How to avoid narcosis?
To mitigate this phenomenon, divers descending to such depths often use a special gas mixture rather than normal air. They breathe oxygen at low concentration mixed with helium, as helium does not induce narcosis. However, diving with helium at depths greater than 150-180 meters can lead to a neurological syndrome due to high pressures. It is preferable to descend slowly as rapid descent increases the risk of narcosis.
When a diver exhibits symptoms of narcosis, it is essential for other members of the diving team to recognize these signs in time to provide appropriate assistance to the distressed diver. Symptoms can lead to inappropriate behavior, increasing the risk of drowning, decompression sickness, or uncontrolled ascent.
What factors can contribute to narcosis?
Fatigue and stress increase divers' sensitivity to narcosis. Unusual diving conditions, such as colder-than-usual water or reduced visibility, promote narcosis. Certain medications can also exacerbate narcosis. Intense muscular effort can enhance the narcotic effect of nitrogen.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of narcosis include alterations in reasoning, attention and perception disorders, memory problems, loss of spatio-temporal orientation, mood swings, and psychomotor disturbances. These symptoms can make the diver dangerous to themselves and others, requiring prompt and appropriate intervention.
How to intervene when someone is experiencing narcosis?
Accompany: If necessary, accompany the diver during ascent to ensure their safety. Ensure they keep their regulator in their mouth to breathe properly.
Monitor: During ascent, carefully monitor the diver's condition and observe whether they show signs of improvement or deterioration. Be ready to intervene if necessary.
Comfort and support: Once at the surface, ensure the diver is safe and comfortable. Provide emotional support and stay with them to help them recover.
Seek medical attention: After the incident, ensure the diver receives appropriate medical evaluation to check for any complications or injuries associated with narcosis. It is also important to discuss the incident with them to understand what happened and how to prevent future episodes of narcosis.
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