MANAGING DIVER PANIC

IT’S DISTRESSING WATCHING

anyone in a state of panic. Would you know how to recognise panic in another diver? Do you have the skills to help a buddy panicking at depth?

Panic is a sudden overwhelming fear, with or without cause, that produces hysterical or irrational behaviour. Panic can be active, where the diver becomes aggressive and task focused, or passive, where the diver freezes and becomes totally inactive.

At depth, without intervention, these irrational behaviours can be dangerous and sometimes fatal. The triggers of panic can be physical, such as seasickness or a leaking mask, or psychological.

Part of the DAN Asia Pacific team. From left, Mel, Cynthia, Julie, John, Heidi, Scott, Haili, Anny, Adam, Sim