Posted by John Walker on May 06, 2001 at 19:02:07:
In Reply to: Re: Deep air and the helium effect posted by Steve on May 06, 2001 at 10:52:41:
There is nothing like and emergency situation where a diver emerged in cold water, has to quickly turn, possible swim towards, and insert a regulator in the mouth of a diver who is about to take an inhalation of water, while encumbered with heavy gear that limits manual dexterity and a mask that detracts from their peripheral vision.
At the same time the rescuer may have to control buoyancy for the both of them while keeping a highley stressful situation from turning in to complete pandemonium.
In a chamber these things don't happen and other than the patient, chamber techs generally don't drown in a dry chamber.
But it is an interesting thought. Why don't attendants breathe helium in their bibs. Possibly due to the difference in ascent schedules????
JOhn Walker