longhaul, on Dec 28 2008, 06:17 PM, said:
I haven't tried it but would like more info, could you walk those of us that haven't tried it through what goes on. Do you use a propulsion system, how do you keep the body straight when I swim my legs just hang there. How do you get someone into the suit it looks like a chore for an AB to do it.
Sure, no problem. First of all of course you would need lessons.
Handicapped Scuba Association (HSA) <a href="http://www.hsascuba.com" target="_blank">http://www.hsascuba.com</a> is a non-profit certification agency that will issue your dive certification (your instructor may also issue a NAUI or PADI or other certification card). Dive Heart is an action agency certifying divers through HSA for example. There are other handicapped certification agencies out there but I am not familiar with them.
Who ever you select to instruct you should have training from HSA or another agency in teaching handicapped divers. It is not the be all end all, but they are better prepared. The lessons do normally take a little longer, but the lessons are taught to standard not time. HSA certifies its divers in three categories based upon demonstrated ability not disability. Category A is a diver who can do all scuba skills necessary to be certified by any agency including buddy rescue. They can dive with any certified dive buddy. Category B is a diver who has successfully demonstrated all scuba skills but either can not or elects not to do buddy rescue (tired buddy tow, rescue breathing while towing). They can dive with any certified dive buddy, but their dive buddy must have a dive buddy with them (in short a team of 3 divers) Category C is a diver who cannot do all their own scuba skills and needs their dive buddy to some of their scuba skills for them. A complete quad who can only shake their head yes and no for example would most likely be a level C diver. A level C diver must have a HSA Certified Dive Buddy and that dive buddy must have a dive buddy who is Rescue or HSA Certified Dive buddy qualified, for a total of 3 divers two of which are specially trained to dive with the handicapped. The C6-7 incomplete quad I dove with was certified as Level A, he can rescue me if necessary. HSA is an international organization and there may be an instructor in your area.
Putting on the wet suit is, as you point out, a chore even for a AB. The diver will often require help getting the wet suit on (I am an AB and I sometimes need a little help). What we normally do is reach up inside the wetsuit and grab the foot or arm and pull it through, taking care not to catch a toe or finger and bend it or break it. The use of gussets and long zippers is a better albeit more expensive solution that works well at making the suit easier to put on.
In the water if the diver can use their arms (my dive last 20 December was a T6-7 Incomplete quad who was a very strong arm swimmer) they use their arms and hands to move themselves through the water. If they are a complete quad who can only shake their head yes and no, then I have to propel/tow them through the water, which is no big deal. A propulsion system can be used as well but is expensive and not necessary in most cases. Divers in the water are not handicapped divers, they are divers who have handicaps. SCUBA is a sport that allows you to participate on an equal footing with other divers.
For most paras and quads the use of weights on the ankles when descending and ascending helps to keep the diver vertical. These weights are then re-positioned onto the chest during the dive to trim them out horizontally.
Check out the Dive Heart
http://www.diveheart.org/ website for videos of divers in action. If you look closely you will note some divers swimming with their hands (paras and incomplete quads) or the absence of fins on some divers (some paras and quads dive with fins even though they can not use their legs, something about balance and trim) and other divers who have two dive buddies close by discreetly propelling/towing them (complete quads).
I hope that answerers your question. if not give me a call 562-421-3094
This post has been edited by Pasley: 29 December 2008 - 06:46 AM
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