injuries and poisoning
Diving Safety Precautions and Prevention of Diving Injuries
Conditions That Can Preclude Diving
Because diving can involve heavy exertion, divers should have reasonably good aerobic capacity (capacity for vigorous exercise) and they should not be limited by heart or lung disorders. Disorders that can impair consciousness, alertness, or judgment, such as Seizure Disorders and Although traditional guidelines have suggested that children younger than 10 years should not dive, programs that begin teaching children at age 8 have been successful. Most diving instructors are familiar with guidelines for teaching children to dive. Prospective divers should be evaluated for fitness and for factors that can increase the risk of mishaps and injury during diving by doctors who are familiar with diving. Alcohol or drug misuse Chronic or short-term congestion of the nose and sinuses Diabetes, type 1 or type 2, that is treated withinsulin(usually) Drugs that can cause drowsiness Fainting spells Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) if severe Habitual air swallowing Heart disorders, such as Overview of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) , Inguinal Hernia that has not been repaired Impulsive behavior or being prone to accidents Lung problems*, such as asthma, lung cysts, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), or previous pneumothorax (collapsed lung) Obesity† Older age† Panic disorder Physical disabilities Poor cardiovascular fitness Pregnancy Ruptured eardrum Seizure Disorders None * Possible higher risk of pulmonary (lung) barotrauma. † Possible higher risk of decompression sickness. Professional divers may undergo additional medical tests, such as those for heart and lung function, exercise stress, hearing, and vision, as well as bone x-rays. In addition, adequate diver training is absolutely necessary. 