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. 2015 Sep-Dec;19(3):171-4.
doi: 10.4103/0019-5278.174000.

Performing CPR on a commercial diver inside the diving bell

Sourabh Bhutani  1 , Rohit Verma  1 , Dipak Kumar Ghosh  1
Affiliations

Performing CPR on a commercial diver inside the diving bell

Sourabh Bhutani et al. Indian J Occup Environ Med. 2015 Sep-Dec.

Abstract

CPR in a diving bell is difficult. It is taught by diving companies and training institutes but has not been subjected to the tenets of evidence based medicine. The diving bell lacks space as well as a flat hard surface to lay the patient on and therefore conventional methods of administering CPR are not possible. The diver is hung from a pulley tied to the diver's harness, and the bell flooded with water to reduce pooling of blood. Airway is established using a cervical collar to hyperextend the neck and inserting an appropriate oropharyngeal airway. Cardiac compressions are administered by the bellman using his head or the knee while holding the patient with his arms from behind. The bell can be recovered to surface only when spontaneous breathing and circulation have started. Diving bell offers a unique environment for management of unconscious casualties. Even though the method is at variance with the conventional method of administering CPR, it is the only method possible inside the bell. It is important that the method be scrutinized and refined so as to be more effective and efficacious inside the bell.

Keywords: Airway management; artificial respiration; cardiac arrest; cardiopulmonary resuscitation; diving; unconscious.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Indicative diving bell
Figure 2
Figure 2
Posterior fixation while hoisting the diver into the bell: Head flexed on the neck, compromising the airway
Figure 3
Figure 3
Anterior fixation while hoisting the diver into the bell: Impractical to hoist in when opening of the bell is narrow
Figure 4
Figure 4
Applying cardiac compression by ‘Head to Chest’
Figure 5
Figure 5
Applying cardiac compression by ‘Knee to Chest’
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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