Posted by HAL on August 14, 2000 at 09:47:43:
In Reply to: DIVE ENTRIES: reg vs. snorkel? (long) posted by HAL on August 11, 2000 at 14:26:28:
Thanks for all your input everyone.
For anyone who's interested I forwarded this question to D.A.N. and got this response:
The instructors are correct in so far as rough wave action can expose a
diver to acute changes in pressure resulting in pulmonary injury and
possible AGE. Sinus and middle ear barotrauma may also occur. Unfortunately
DAN does not have any information specific to your inquiry. While it's true
that injuries are broken down into DCS I, DCS II, and AGE, there is no way
of knowing what the suspected cause of an AGE would be without looking at
the specific medical record and DAN does not include this as a category in
the annual report. However, there have been cases of divers experiencing
lung overexpansion injuries in the "rough seas or surf" scenario. This can
also happen while doing deco or safety stops at shallower depths.
With the exception of basic material that is required in a certification
course, instruction is subjective and usually area specific. In other words,
good instructors are going to add material to the course that will assist
the diver for the type of conditions they may frequently encounter in their
area. The same goes for any part of the world. Their recommendation has a
sound basis. Keep in mind that this type of recommendation may not always be
appropriate for other areas, conditions or be endorsed by other instructors
and/or dive operators.
Sincerely,
Mark Butler, NREMT-P, DMT-A
NAUI IT 18812, SSI AOWI 6301
DAN Medical Services
Department of Anesthesiology
Duke University Medical Center