BSAC Interactive Learning

DT6 Oxygen Administration in Practice

What condition will the majority of diving casualties requiring oxygen administration be in? See Student Workbook p60.
1. Breathing, unconscious and suffering from DCI
2. Breathing, conscious and suffering from DCI
3. Not breathing, unconscious and suffering from DCI
4. Breathing, unconscious and suffering from near drowning
5. Not breathing, unconscious and suffering from near drowning
6. Not breathing, unconscious and suffering from suspected heart attack
Roughly what proportion of all diving casualties is likely to require rescue breaths? See Student Workbook p60.
1. One in a thousand
2. One in a hundred
3. One in ten
4. Fifty percent
5. Ninety percent
6. Ninety nine percent
What posture should a casualty receiving oxygen for suspected DCI be placed in? See Student Workbook p60.
1. Sitting
2. Lying down, face up, legs raised
3. Lying down, face up, legs flat
4. Recovery position
What posture should a casualty receiving oxygen for shock be placed in? See Student Workbook p60.
1. Sitting
2. Lying down, face up, legs raised
3. Lying down, face up, legs flat
4. Recovery position
What posture should a casualty receiving oxygen for suspected DCI and shock be placed in? See Student Workbook p60.
1. Sitting
2. Lying down, face up, legs raised
3. Lying down, face up, legs flat
4. Recovery position
Which of the following is correct advice about oxygen administration? Tick all that apply. See Student Workbook p60.
1. The sooner oxygen is administered, the greater the benefit
2. Wait until the symptoms are obvious before administering oxygen
3. If oxygen supplies are limited, try to ration them
4. Use the oxygen up early even if supplies are limited
Which of the following is correct advice about oxygen administration? Tick all that apply. See Student Workbook pp60-61.
1. If there is a second casualty, treat both casualties simultaneously
2. If there is a second casualty, treat the most serious one first
3. When treating two casualties, use a second demand valve and oro-nasal mask if available
4. When treating two casualties, always use a pocket mask for one casualty and a demand valve for the other
5. When there is a DCI casualty, use the time they are immobilised receiving oxygen to remind them of the importance of good diving practices in avoiding incidents, and the inconvenience that incidents cause to others in the diving party
6. Remember that casualties will need TLC
7. Expect a transient worsening of symptoms when oxygen is administered to a casualty
8. Stop oxygen administration immediately if the casualty's stmptoms worsen
9. Oxygen must never be given to casualties who have been recovered to the surface after experiencing oxygen toxicity underwater
10. Oxygen can be given to casualties who have been recovered to the surface after experiencing oxygen toxicity underwater, once any signs and symptoms of oxygen toxicity have disappeared
11. Give painkillers in accordance with the dosage stated on the bottle or packet, if the casualty asks for them
12. Pain killers should not be administered because they can mask the DCI symptoms, making subsequent treatment by medical personnel more difficult
Rehydration using appropriate fluids is important. Which of the following is preferable? See Student Workbook p61.
1. Still isotonic drinks in small quantities at a rate totalling approximately 1 litre/hour
2. Still isotonic drinks in small quantities at a rate totalling approximately 2 litres/hour
3. water/squash drinks in small quantities at a rate totalling approximately 0.5 litre/hour
4. water/squash drinks in small quantities at a rate totalling approximately 1 litre/hour
5. caffeinated or fizzy drinks in small quantities at a rate totalling approximately 0.5 litre/hour
6. caffeinated or fizzy drinks in small quantities at a rate totalling approximately 2 litres/hour
Which of the following is correct advice about oxygen administration? Tick all that apply. See Student Workbook pp61-62.
1. Do not give fluids if the casualty is likely to vomit
2. Give fluids even if the casualty is likely to vomit
3. Do not give fluids if the casualty is likely to inhale the fluid
4. Do not give fluids if the casualty has a condition which may subsequently require a general anaesthetic
5. If oxygen is not available, give fluids alone
6. Only give fluids in conjunction with oxygen
At what point should you contact the emergency services to arrange medical evacuation of a casualty with suspected DCI? See Student Workbook p62.
1. At the earliest opportunity
2. Only if oxygen administration does not resolve the symptoms
3. After the oxygen has been used up
Assuming they are not showing symptoms of DCI, should the casualty's buddy accompany the casualty to the recompression chamber as a precaution, in case he/she subsequently also develops symptoms? See Student Workbook p62.
1. Yes, always
2. Yes, if they have made the same series of dives
3. No
Which of the following statements are correct about actions to take when the oxygen supplies for the dedicated oxygen administration equipment are exhausted? Tick all that apply. See Student Workbook p63.
1. Closed circuit rebreathers can deliver 100% oxygen
2. Closed circuit rebreathers should only be operated by someone trained in the use of the particular type of rebreather
3. Nitrox mixes are of less benefit than 100% oxygen, but better than air.
4. Nitrox mixes may be available from ordinary scuba cylinders
5. A casualty breathing via a diving mouthpiece will receive a higher, more beneficial, percentage of oxygen if they wear a facemask or noseclip
6. If a casualty complains of discomfort from using a mouthpiece, facemask, or noseclip they should be forced to put up with it for their own good
What is the correct procedure when a diver has missed decompression stops or made a rapid ascent, but shows no signs or symptoms of DCI (other than denial)? Tick all that apply. See Student Workbook p64.
1. Wait for signs and symptoms to appear before taking any action, other than observing the casualty
2. Assume the diver is suffering from DCI
3. Allow the casualty to walk around
4. Lay the casualty down and keep them quiet
5. Administer 100% oxygen and fluids
6. Administer fluids, but save the oxygen until it is needed by someone with obvious symptoms (which could be this diver in due course)
7. Contact the BHA/RN Diver Helpline for advice
What colour are entonox cylinders in the UK? See Student Workbook p64.
1. blue
2. green
3. black
4. blue and white
5. blue and black
Entonox is a mixture of nitrous oxygen and oxygen administered by medical services for pain relief. Why should you never take entonox after diving? See Student Workbook p64.
1. It is illegal
2. It can cause megaloblastic anaemia
3. It can depress white cell formation.
4. Nitrous oxide diffuses into nitrogen bubbles in the blood, making them bigger, and making any DCI worse
What safety considerations should be applied to the area which is used for oxygen administration? Tick all that apply. See Student Workbook p65.
1. Scrupulously clean
2. Well ventilated
3. Enclosed
4. Free from sources of ignition
Why should divers administer oxygen only to other divers? See Student Workbook p65.
1. The medical requirements to be a diver are such that a diver will not be harmed by oxygen administration
2. People with conditions such as chronic lung diseases may suffer adversely, possibly to a fatal extent, by the administration of oxygen
3. Divers could be sued for negligence if the casualty is not a diver suffering a diving related problem
4. All of the above