Point Pleasant (NJ) First Aid Rescue Dive Team members responded to a reported Dive accident near Gull Island in the Mannasquan River on Sunday and found CPR in progress upon arrival. Dive Team members Flo Melo, Tom Conroy, and Brandon Caladzo were all active EMT’s on site and 1st Lieutenant Gerry Meany performed transport duty.
Upon arrival the Dive Team members found a crowd of Scuba Dive students gathered around the Dive Instructor who was performing CPR on the student who had been removed from the water unconscious and not breathing.
Rescue Dive Team EMT members took over CPR and control of the accident scene and began standard operating procedures for a dive accident investigation. Witness interviews were performed to obtain important information on the victims training status, physical condition, time spent in water, location in water, water conditions, and other pertinent information to assist First -Aid Medics efforts. Dive Team members also secured and transported the victims Scuba equipment for further inspection and investigation by the proper authorities.
I received my training and PADI Divemaster certification from this Rescue Dive Team Instructor and continue to have the opportunity to train and practice skills with this team. I know all of the members who responded on this call and they are very serious about their training and performance. This team is a credit to the Point Pleasant First-Aid Squad and a true benefit to the community...
The Asbury Park Press had the following report on this incident:
2 comments:
Steve, We all knew this was going to happen some day. The student was from UDI in toms river and we all saw and knew how bad they are.
This student was in the water removing his mask, any diver knows this has to done as one of the skills for certification.
But why was the instructor on dry land!!!
Unfortunately I believe many may have seen it coming and I know some who steered away from UDI. I also recall in Key West the shops who would certify divers as Rescue & Divemaster status with performing water rescues skills 10 feet from the dock in no surf or any "Tough" condiditons. These people then think they are qualified to be a Rescue\Divemaster...
Asbury Park Press reports nothing conclusive to autopsy:
http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070710/NEWS/70710041
I remember when I assisted as Divemaster I never had more then two students and usually just one. If Vis was poor\low I would even attach a lanyard 6feet long so the student knew where I was at all times and the same for me.
Digging out PADI Divemaster & Rescue manuals again to refresh.
Never enough training and that is why I feel very fortunate to still be able to train with the Point Rescue Dive Team whenever I can...
NEXT WEEKEND !!!
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