We can plan for the best of times, but rarely do we plan for the worst. When it comes to scuba diving, unexpected emergencies are a major concern for every diver. With a well-planned Emergency Action Plan, you can minimize the risks and ensure safety before, during, and after a dive. This article will cover everything you need to know about putting together a Dive Emergency Action Plan.
1. Unexpected Dangers: Developing an Emergency Action Plan
Unexpected dangers can strike with little to no warning. Whether in the workplace or out in the community, emergency action plans are an essential part of any security protocol. Without plans in place, it’s difficult to act quickly and decisively during an emergency.
Prepare ahead of time. Make sure to take every precaution to prepare for potential crises. This includes creating a specific action plan in order to ensure everyone can follow the same steps. This includes:
- Designating emergency exits
- Making sure everyone is familiar with emergency procedures
- Having a basic emergency supply list
To make the plan as effective as possible, consider having designated points of contact and safety zones. These should be clearly identified and should be close to emergency exit points. Additionally, you should consider developing emergency contact cards in case phone and internet services don’t work.
Be prepared for different scenarios. No emergency is the same, so it’s important to make sure the plan can be adapted to different scenarios. Be sure to always stay up to date on the latest safety protocols and remember that an action plan should essentially provide a “road map” of what to do during a crisis.
2. Why a Dive Emergency Action Plan is Essential
Being prepared for any kind of emergency is a must for any dive, but in the event of a dive emergency, having a comprehensive Dive Emergency Action Plan (DEAP) is essential. DEAPs are pre-established plans for dealing with a variety of diving emergency situations, and provide divemasters, dive instructors, and dive buddies with clear instructions that will help keep everyone safe.
Warnings and Corrective Actions – DEAPs provide warnings about unsafe conditions, unsafe practices, or any other potential risks encountered during a dive. They also include corrective actions for dealing with such risk with the goal of avoiding or mitigating any harm to the divers.
Reduce Panic and Confusion – Emergencies are naturally panic-inducing situations, and having a DEAP in place can help to reduce the panic and confusion for everyone involved. By having a plan clearly outlined, all individuals will know exactly what to do in the event of an emergency, and can help to ensure that all actions taken are appropriate and effective.
Reduce Injury and Loss of Life – The most important thing a DEAP can do is reduce the risk of injury or loss of life. By having an established plan of action, divemasters, dive instructors, and dive buddies can respond quickly and confidently to an emergency situation, which can help to save lives. Things such as having the proper equipment in place, knowing what kind of first-aid to apply, and understanding rescue protocols are essential in these situations.
- A comprehensive Dive Emergency Action Plan (DEAP) provides warning about potential risks and corrective actions for mitigating harm.
- A DEAP can reduce panic and confusion in emergency situations.
- Having a plan of action in the event of an emergency can reduce injury and save lives.
3. Preparing for the Worst: Outlining Your Emergency Action Plan
No matter the industry, developing an emergency action plan and understanding how to act quickly in the event of a catastrophe is essential. It’s easy to focus on the everyday tasks of a business, yet drastic events can occur with little warning.
Being prepared in the event of an emergency can help minimize any prolonged damage to your organization. Here are some things to consider when creating an emergency action plan:
- Adopt a safety-first attitude – Safety should always be the top priority of any emergency plan.
- Secure people – Establish methods for getting everyone to safety.
- Communicate – Having a system in place to quickly communicate whatever is happening is necessary.
- Mitigate damage – Limit any potential destruction and hold off losses.
Developing an emergency action plan is more than just putting together an emergency exit map. It’s about having a plan for every possible emergency scenario, assessing risks, and understanding everyone’s responsibilities under extreme situations.
In addition to creating a physical emergency plan, having a digital version is essential. It should include all of the documents and protocols that you need to access in a time of crisis. If you have the infrastructure for it, a dedicated emergency page with necessary protocols can be the go-to place for all employees in the event of an emergency.
4. Safety is Key: Putting Your Plan Into Action
Put your safety plan into action with the following tips!
Identify an emergency contact: Having an emergency contact means family or friends are able to support you or take on any necessary tasks. Make sure this person is aware of your safety plan and knows who else to contact should anything happen in an emergency.
Integrate safety into your day-to-day life: Regularly assess your day-to-day activities and ask yourself if there’s anything else that can be done in order to be better prepared. Here are some things you can do:
- Have a first-aid kit at the ready
- Stock up on non-perishables and store them
- Carry a small bag of essentials e.g. an extra phone battery, a medical card/card listing any allergies or illnesses
- Learn a few self-defense techniques
Stay aware: Always be aware of your surroundings. Keep alert and mindful of how you use your environment to stay safe — take side streets as opposed to passing through sketchy neighborhoods, stay in well-lit areas, and so on.
Have a plan B: Sometimes Plan A doesn’t always work out, and that’s when plan B comes in handy. It doesn’t hurt to have backup plans. For example you may take a different route if your regular one is unsafe, have an overnight bag packed just in case or even increase your internet security.
Planning for the unexpected in diving can help to save lives in times of emergency. Emergencies can occur at any time and having an Dive Emergency Action Plan in place can make it much easier to make an informed decision during these events. With a little preparation, you can make sure you and your dive buddies are safe and ready for anything!
