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. 2023 Jun 30;53(2):76-84.
doi: 10.28920/dhm53.2.76-84.

Compressed gas diving fatalities in Australian waters 2014 to 2018

John Lippmann  1   2   3   4 , Christopher Lawrence  5 , Andrew Fock  6
Affiliations

Compressed gas diving fatalities in Australian waters 2014 to 2018

John Lippmann et al. Diving Hyperb Med. .

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate compressed gas diving deaths in Australia from 2014-2018 and make comparison to those from 2001-2013 to identify ongoing problems and assess countermeasures.

Methods: Media reports and the National Coronial Information System were searched to identify scuba diving deaths for 2014-2018, inclusive. Data were extracted from the witness and police reports, medical histories, and autopsies. An Excel® database was created and a chain of events analysis conducted. Comparisons were made with the earlier report.

Results: Forty-two fatalities were identified, 38 using scuba and four using surface-supplied breathing apparatus involving 30 males and 12 females. The mean age of victims was 49.7 years, six years higher than the previous cohort. Fifty-four percent were obese. Six victims were unqualified, three were under instruction and at least 28 were experienced divers, significantly more than in the previous cohort. Health-related predisposing factors, predominantly obesity and cardiac-related, were identified as likely contributory to 26 incidents, and planning shortcomings to at least 22 deaths. One-third of the disabling conditions were primary drowning and one-quarter were cardiac. Three divers died subsequent to carbon monoxide poisoning and three likely from immersion pulmonary oedema.

Conclusions: Advancing age, obesity and the associated cardiac disease have become increasingly prevalent in diving fatalities and the need for appropriate assessment of fitness to dive is evident.

Keywords: Carbon monoxide; Cardiovascular; Diving deaths; Fitness to dive; Obesity; Scuba.

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Conflict of interest statement

Acknowledgements

Acknowledgements to the National Coronial Information System, the Victorian Department of Justice and Community Services for enabling access to its database, and to various State and Territory Coroners for providing additional information.

Conflict of interest and funding:

This study was funded by the Australasian Diving Safety Foundation. No conflicts of interest were declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Likely disabling agents associated with 35 of 42 scuba fatalities; no disabling agents could be identified in seven incidents
Figure 2
Figure 2
Disabling conditions in 42 scuba diving fatalities; CO − carbon monoxide; CAGE − cerebral arterial gas embolism; IPO − immersion pulmonary oedema
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment in

  • Carbon monoxide poisoning: lest we forget.
    Mathew B, Laden G. Mathew B, et al. Diving Hyperb Med. 2023 Sep 30;53(3):292. doi: 10.28920/dhm53.3.292. Diving Hyperb Med. 2023. PMID: 37718307 Free PMC article. No abstract available.

References

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