KOTA KINABALU: Scuba diving accidents can be prevented if divers adhere to the safety guidelines, said Dr Eugene Tan.
The Sabah Dive Squad Club medical adviser said arterial gas embolism (AGE) is a serious injury caused when expanding air tears lung tissue and enters the bloodstream during an ascent, often blocking blood flow to the brain or heart.
"Following the recent tragic loss of a diver off Pulau Tioman, it is crucial to review key underwater safety practices.
"Keep breathing continuously, especially while ascending. If ascending rapidly during an emergency, exhale continuously.
"If you want to make it simple, do not ascend faster than your breath bubbles," he said in a statement, adding that scuba divers should ascend slowly at a rate of 9-18m per minute and to make a three-minute safety stop at 5m.
Dr Tan, who is an internal medicine specialist based at the Kota Kinabalu Regional Armed Forces Hospital in Sepanggar here, was commenting on the recent death of a 31-year-old woman, who separated from her dive group off Pulau Tioman.It was reported that cause of death was AGE.
Dr Tan emphasised the importance of the buddy system by maintaining close contact with the other scuba divers.
"If separated, search for no more than one minute before making a slow ascent to regroup at the surface," he said.
He also said people should not dive if they have asthma, chest infections or lung congestion.
In the event of an emergency, Dr Tan said a diver who surfaces confused or unconscious should be given 100 per cent oxygen immediately, laid flat and transported urgently to a hyperbaric chamber.
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