ST101921%BROWNVM.BITNET@mvs.oac.ucla.edu (Jack Rozel) (01/28/91)
This is a brief apology and a brief preview:
First I apologize that this posting is so late after the original bulliten,
I just got back to school, and I have a ton of stuff to do. Actually, I will
have a formal, extensive posting on Diving and AIDS soon, this is only a
preview. I run an Underwater Operations Consulting firm in my spare time,
and I have done a fair amount of research on minimum qualifications and expec-
tations for divers with some type of physical/psychological/medical deficit.
And the preview (Specific point responses):
1.I have not heard of any complications of AZT (Ziduvine) resulting from
high-pressure exposure to oxygen or any of the common inert gases. I'm still
checking.
2.ANY NARCOTIC USE IS AN ABSOLUTE CONTRAINDICATION! There is no sidesteppi
ng this: High pressure nitrogen can cause severe narcosis past depths of 100
fsw (actually the narcosis is a gradual buildup, and starts as shallow as 5 fsw
) and any other narcotic in the bloodstream amplifies this effect and can incap
acitate a diver in considerably shallower depths.
3.About Pocket Masks: The gentleman who said that the diver should tell the
divemaster so that the divemaster could have a pocket mask on hand. I've been
a diver for 6 years and involved with the EMS for 3; a pocket mask should alrea
dy be on hand, anyhow: they greatly simplyfy the mechanics of resuscitation,
especially in-water resuscitation. All divers should not only know CPR, but
I believe that they should be trained in the use of, and carrying, a pocket
mask. If needed, a snorkel (no purge valve) makes a decent field substitue.
4.Hyperbaric Chambers usually go to a Maximum of 165 fsw (6 ata); Seachris
t monoplace chambers usually don't go much past 40 fsw (2.3 ata).
>>>>>> MORE TO COME ! ! ! <<<<<<
By the way, I am a diving consultant, and usually charge big bux, but I conside
r fighting HIV discrimination a pretty worthwhile pro bono cause. If I can be
of any service:
Jack Rozel <ST101921@BROWNVM.BITNET> : I
POB 3088 Brown University : Don't Know
Providence, RI 02912 : any good quotes.
Voice Phone: 1 401 863 4967 : Sorry.