CSI-Cayman Islands: Scuba divers take note
It's a novel concept - an underwater CSI, something you don't see on television. Later this month, the Central Caribbean Marine Institute, located on Little Cayman in the Cayman Islands, will present what is sure to be a FIRST -- an Underwater CSI training course.
AdventureSports Ski & SCUBA WEB Site
As many of us know, simple is sometimes better. Well, Adventure Sports in Kansas City has redone their web site. I do think the new site is much better than old and yet simple. The old site had not changed very much since it was first setup over decade ago. The new site does adds depth and I personally think was done very well. As with every site, tweaks will be required overtime. I am looking forward to the growth of their web site.
To view this website, just follow the the link: http://www.adventuresportskc.com.
-Mike
Cozumel Lionfish Tournament with Blue Magic Scuba
Since mid-summer, lionfish seem to have proliferated on Cozumel's reefs, and Blue Magic Scuba, a local Cozumel dive center, has decided to do something about it. The idea is to help control the lionfish invasion, something that threatens to decimate other marine life.
Read more:
Cozumel Lionfish Tournament with Blue Magic Scuba
In Case of Emergency – The Five Minute Neuro Exam.
Michael and I have been diving for years without incurring or observing any serious accidents taking place. We follow all the rules, as we have a strong aversion to the possibility of getting a case of the bends. Even when obeying EVERY rule, however, a person may be physiologically susceptible to, or just be plain unlucky enough, to develop symptoms caused by breathing air at depth. If there is a diver who surfaces, or exits the water with complaints that lead you to believe he may have suffered a dive related incident, or if you notice someone acting strangely, be sure to incorporate The Five Minute Neuro Examination as learned in your Stress and Rescue course while awaiting the input of medical personnel. Components of the test are as follows:
- Do an orientation check. Ask the diver his/her name, the date, and to explain what happened on their dive. Answers to these questions may demonstrate the diver has some confusion. Even if answers to these questions are correct, make sure general conversation is making sense.
- Eye test- With the head held still, have the diver follow your hand while it moves in upwards/downwards, and in side to side directions. Your hand should be placed approximately 18 inches from the person's face. The eyes should track smoothly in every direction and should not exhibit any jumping/bouncing around while tracking. Look at their peripheral vision - when are they able to see an object coming around from behind their head? Is it symmetrical on both sides? Shine a flash light in their eyes. Do their pupils get smaller, then larger again when the light is removed?
- Forehead - With the divers eye's closed, lightly touch their forehead and face. Are they able to feel your touch and is it the same on both sides of the face? Check strength by trying to open the divers eyes (from above their brow) after they have shut them tightly. Ask them to furrow their brow. Is there a difference between right and left brows?
- Observe the divers face. Is the diver able to pucker his lips to whistle? Is the diver able to smile? Have them clench their jaw and have the examiner feel if both sides of the jaw are exhibiting equal strength. Is sensation present?
- Check the ears. With the divers eyes closed, ask them if their hearing seems normal. Hold your hands 2 feet from the divers ear. Rub your finger and thumb together, and gradually move closer until the diver is able to hear you.
- Check the gag reflex. Does the diver's "Adam's apple" move up and down when you ask him to swallow?
- Have the diver stick their tongue out. Make a note whether the tongue comes straight out or moves to one side or the other.
- Check the shoulder strength. With your hands firmly positioned on the divers shoulders, ask them to shrug their shoulders. Is one side stronger than the other? Do the shoulders have any sensation here?
- Check arm strength. Ask the diver to squeeze your fingers. Is one hand stronger than the other? Have them raise their arms to chest level straight in front of them. Push down gently, then pull on elbows with the diver attempting to resist the motion. Is one side stronger than the other? Are they able to feel both their arms?
- With the diver's eyes closed, check sensation their chest.
- With diver lying flat, have diver raise and lower their legs with resistance. Note if there differences in strength between sides. In standing, check balance and coordination by asking them to walk in a heel-toe fashion. Guard closely, as falls should be avoided. Is sensation in the legs present?
If the diver is unable to complete one of these tests, indicate which test was omitted and why.
Repeat the tests every hour. Make sure results are documented and present them to medical personnel.
Notice how the exam moves in a head to toe direction. The body parts are highlighted, and work their way from mind/brain to the feet. These two things may help you remember the steps of a complete exam. Hopefully this tool is one you'll never have to utilize, but as a responsible diver, you should review and practice it frequently so that if you find a diver in need, you'll be able to step up and help.
-- Shannon
Dominica Here We Come
Dominica here we come! We have finally planned our next dive trip. We will be staying at the Castle Comfort Dive Lodge in Dominica. Several of our dive buddies went there last year and loved it. They loved it so much that they are going again in Summer of 2010. They say it's the best diving they've ever done. They are all well traveled and experienced divers, so we value their opinion. Shannon and I will be joining them. The only negative that I can think of at this point is the trip to and from. Unfortunately, our trip to Dominica has us staying over night in Puerto Rico, and the return has us staying in Baltimore. We are hoping to get that changed sometime soon. If not, we will just have to suffer through, as our frequent flyer miles have granted us free plane tickets as long as we adhere to the bizarre travel schedule! No worries, though. We'll make an adventure out of it either way. Would love to take a short detour in Washington D.C. along the way! Will NEVER complain about free tickets! Anyhow... will definitely keep everyone updated on the trip, and can't wait to share the photos. Just wanted you all to know... may want to consider Dominica for future vacations. Will deliver a full post trip review after the trip. Thanks for the read... and safe diving!
-Mike