The Effects of Hypoxia

[hfig]

I know the title of this video says "...at high altitude" but I imagine the effects are very similar underwater. Very enlightening, especially for rebreather divers.

[FW]

I have been hypoxic twice testing prototype rebreathers. I can tell you for a fact that your brain goes to mush very fast. I was very lucky that I was in shallow water, and could just stand up. Neither time did I have the presence of mind to bail out, or even close the DSV.

[Shocky]

I've had several rides in an Altitude Chamber and it affects people in different ways. With the mask off some hold out for quite a while while others get goofy right away. When someone has noticeable imparement and told to put their mask back on they comply, others have to be helped by an attendent. Nothing to mess with, always know your PO2.

[FW]

I.. always know your PO2.

I agree, but it is easy to say, not always so easy to actually do.

[Shocky]

As a new (but dbbled many years) and still somewhat reluctant rebreather diver, that is a scary thought Forrest!

[WJH]

Sobering!

WJH

[Shocky]

Yes, very. Like I said, I've been looking at these death traps, I mean fine machines, for about 15 years including several try dives. I finally jumped into the water with an AP Evo because I gat a very good price. What I am finding is the effort both in teaching and use of staying on the loop while dealing with the problem. In other words don't bail out and call the dive ( aka Mk VI practice) when the machine can continued to be flown. I don't know!

[bullfrog]

I passed out from holding my breath when I was a kid. I was coming up on 2.5 minutes when it happened. The strange part was when my friends told me I passed out I didn't believe them. I didn't even know it happened. I just remember the second hand hitting 5 and all of a sudden everyone was asking me if I was all right. No dizziness or anything like that.

[graepaep]

Several years back there was a local guy that died testing a home made rebreather in the shallow end of a swimming pool. He didn't have surface support and drowned. There was no comfirmation but we assumed hypoxia.

Keep in mind that hypoxia is not just a rebreather issue and can kill open circuit divers also.

[Sludge]

Keep in mind that hypoxia is not just a rebreather issue and can kill open circuit divers also.

I'm not saying you are wrong, but try as I may, I can't come up with a scenario for this other than some exotic mixture.