It can happen at any time. Something would not feel right. A feeling of unease turns into full-fledged terror. Breathing would be quick and shallow. Pulse of a machine gun Judgment jumbled. Panic can attack any scuba diver, regardless of their experience or training. However, there are techniques to prevent and manage this abrupt, uncontrollable anxiety attack, which, in extreme cases, can result in death.
Panic usually develops when someone is ill-prepared for the dive they are about to take. Before leaving for a drive, the best thing you can do is mentally run through each scenario in your head. Then jump into the water, stress-free, ready to solve any problem that arises.
The most important thing a diver can learn is how to recognise stress, because uncontrolled tension can lead to panic, and panic can lead to death. Scuba diving has a number of stressors that might cause panic. Divers can considerably reduce risk by identifying the precursors and taking efforts to prevent or mitigate them. Divers either panic or get complacent and cease paying attention when they are in a scenario that is above their expertise or training level.
Time, gas, and distance are the three most typical stressors. It's usually a cascade effect. Something goes wrong, and if it isn't handled, perceptual narrowing sets in, and the next domino will fall, then the next, and so on. If you don't intervene, they'll all fall.
Task overload, as well as environmental concerns like current, visibility, and marine life, are common causes of anxiety. Other risks include failing to purge the second stage of water and inhaling it, losing your bearings owing to poor sight, and becoming separated from your companion.
Divers should work on their buoyancy abilities and make sure they aren't overweight, because it's a lot easier to deal with problems if you first figure out your buoyancy and trim.
Read the signs
Victims of stress typically exhibit common visual indicators that other divers can pick up on.
Observe your dive partner's appearance so you'll notice if their buoyancy, trim, or breathing frequency begins to deteriorate. When a diver's breathing becomes more erratic or frequent, you know they're stressed. Failure to respond to light signals in a dark overhead or deep environment is another sign.
The eyes are both the windows to the soul and the primary indicator of impending panic. Wide, unseeing eyes, followed by the inability or refusal to perform even the most basic task, are all signs that a diver is panicking.
Put yourself in a position of power
Other divers should resist the desire to rush in to help a panicked diver. A simple protective protocol can protect both the diver and the would-be rescuer from harm.
If your arm is extended straight out when you offer the regulator with your right hand, their left hand can't come across and reach you by simply reaching out with your left hand and catching their right arm at the bicep. Put yourself in a position of authority, either to help or to defend. A soothing touch might help a panicked diver feel better, but be sure you can still stiff-arm a diver to defend yourself if necessary.
Make use of your head
One of the most basic tenets of diving training becomes paramount in the event of panic: Stop, breathe, think, act. You can't let emotions take precedence over logic and reason. Return to a solutions-oriented mindset where you can take one action at a time. You can always think of the next best action to take, and you'll be successful.