Pressure Points: The Diver's Guide to Staying Afloat in Diving Medicine

Welcome to our guide on safe diving in Scotland! Whether you're a seasoned professional or an enthusiastic beginner, this blog aims to be your go-to resource for diving safely in Scottish waters. We'll provide valuable information for both the general public and health professionals on where to find the most up-to-date guidelines, training resources, and local expertise to ensure a safe and enjoyable diving experience in Scotland's beautiful marine environments.

How Healthy do you need to be to SCUBA dive?

SCUBA diving is an exhilarating sport, but it does come with certain health requirements. While you don't need to be an Olympic athlete, a good level of overall health and fitness is essential.

Key Health Considerations:

1. Cardiovascular Health: Your heart and lungs need to be in good condition to handle the physical exertion and pressure changes. Poorly controlled hypertension (high blood pressure) can lead to Immersion Pulmonary Oedema, which is one of the most common diving illnesses and has caused fatalities.

2. Respiratory Function: Clear airways and healthy lungs are crucial for managing breathing underwater. Scarred lungs for any reason, can cause the pressure to increase within lung cavities on ascent, and with no-where else to go, this air can cause a pneumothorax (popped lung).

3. Ear and Sinus Health: These areas must equalize pressure easily to prevent discomfort or injury, such as a perforated ear drum.

4. Physical Fitness: While not overly strenuous, diving requires some strength and endurance. Scottish diving is often more demanding, due to currents and tides, or swimming fast to keep up with that playful seal. You should be fit and able to help rescue another diver in an emergency, and consider whether there are any conditions that may hinder your own rescue, such as obesity. If so, altering your diving habits is advised to keep everyone safe.

5. Mental Health: You should be able to stay calm under pressure and follow safety protocols.

Medical Conditions to Consider:

Some conditions may prevent you from diving or require medical clearance, including:

- Heart disease or poorly controlled hypertension

- Lung conditions like asthma

- Recent surgeries

- Pregnancy

- Certain medications that make you drowsy, make you more likely to bleed, make you more likely to have a fit whilst under pressure, or increase the risk of diving problems such as narcosis and decompression illness.

The Bottom Line:

Before diving, you'll need to complete a medical questionnaire. If any issues arise, a doctor's approval may be necessary. Remember, being honest about your health is crucial for your safety.

While you don't need to be a fitness guru, maintaining good overall health and addressing any medical concerns is key to enjoying safe and enjoyable SCUBA adventures.

a scuba diver wearing a neoprene wet suit sitting on the beach and smiling

Diving Health Information: Where to Look

When it comes to diving health, it's crucial to consult experts who understand the unique challenges of underwater environments. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Seek specialized knowledge: Not all doctors are familiar with diving medicine. While your regular GP or consultant may give well-intentioned advice, they may not fully understand the hyperbaric effects on your body and medications.

2. Be cautious of general medical opinions: Many divers have reported receiving a casual "OK to dive" from their doctors. However, without specific knowledge of diving physiology, this advice could be incomplete or potentially risky.

3. Find a diving medicine specialist: For the safest approach to your health, seek out a doctor with additional training in hyperbaric and diving medicine. These specialists can provide more accurate assessments of your fitness to dive and offer tailored advice.

4. Reliable resources:

NHS Scotland Scottish Diving Medicine website has a concise website with further information on diving illnesses and useful links for support.
Water Safety Scotland is a voluntary association of organisations all working towards safer use of Scotlands waterways.
Local diving clubs: Often have links to diving doctors in your area. You can find your local diving club via the Scottish Sub Aqua Club (ScotSac), British Sub Aqua Club (BSAC) or Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) websites.
The UK Diving Medical Committee (UKDMC) has the list of approved UK doctors who are registered to provide advice for recreational divers in the UK.
Internationally, the Divers Alert Network (DAN): Offers extensive information and can connect you with diving medical professionals.
Working divers in the UK are regulated by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), and divers need an annual medical with a HSE Approved Medical Examiner of Divers.

Remember, your health and safety underwater depend on accurate, specialized medical advice. Don't hesitate to seek out experts in diving medicine for the most reliable information.

a diver in a short wet suit resting midwater

How to Get Fit for Scuba Diving

Scuba diving is an exhilarating sport, but it also demands a good level of fitness. Here are some key ways to prepare your body for diving adventures:

1. Boost cardiovascular fitness

Regular jogging, swimming, or cycling
Improves stamina for longer dives
Helps you handle emergencies better

2. Maintain a healthy weight

Easier to move in water
Reduces strain on your body
Makes rescue situations more manageable

3. Quit smoking and vaping

Improves lung capacity and overall respiratory health
Enhances oxygen efficiency underwater

4. Strengthen core and leg muscles

Aids in finning technique
Improves overall stability in water

5. Practice flexibility exercises

Helps with donning gear comfortably
Reduces risk of muscle cramps

6. Stay hydrated

Crucial for preventing decompression sickness
Improves overall diving performance

7. Prepare your mental health

see our 3 part blog with tips from a diving psychologist.

Remember, a fit diver is a safer diver. Start your fitness journey well before your diving trip for the best results.

What if I have a health concern I would like to discuss?

If you have health concerns related to diving, you can book an appointment with Dr. Zacheshigriva. She is trained in diving medicine, serves as a medical referee for the UKDMC, and is a HSE Approved Medical Examiner of Divers. To ensure a thorough assessment, bring a copy of your health summary from your GP and any relevant hospital letters to your appointment.

Importance of Medical Assessments for Divers:

1. Safety: Medical assessments help identify conditions that could increase the risk of diving-related injuries or emergencies.

2. Early detection: Some medical conditions may be exacerbated by diving. Regular check-ups can catch these early.

3. Customized advice: A diving medicine specialist can provide tailored recommendations based on your health status.

4. Legal compliance: Many diving organizations require medical clearance before allowing individuals to participate in diving activities.

5. Insurance considerations: Some dive insurance policies require regular medical assessments.

Remember, diving medicine is complex, and individual health situations can vary greatly. That's why it's crucial to consult with a specialist like Dr. Zacheshigriva for personalized advice and assessment.

Where can health professionals get more information on diving health?

Here's a summary of professional diving advice sources. These can provide valuable information on diving safety, medical fitness and industry standards:

The UK Diving Medical Committee (UKDMC) has the list of approved UK doctors who are registered to provide advice for recreational divers in the UK. There is guidance on their website for professionals.
The Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society has developed a brief guidance document for clinicians around the common diving related illnesses.
The Diving Diseases Research Centre (DDRC) is based in Plymouth and has support for divers and educational courses and resources for clinicians.
Hyperbaric medical centers, such as the Hyperbaric Medical Unit in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, are usually staffed with physicians knowledgeable about diving-related health issues.

How do I get help in a diving medical emergency in Scotland?

This is important safety information for divers. Here's a concise summary of the key points:

1. In a diving emergency:

- Work with your dive buddy to safely surface

- Coordinate with your diving group and skipper on shore

- Use a radio to contact the coastguard

2. Preparation is crucial:

- Train for emergency situations

- Always carry a radio

3. Key contacts:

- Coastguard (see this how-to guide from the RNLI)

- Oncall Hyperbaric Consultant in Aberdeen: 0345 408 6008

4. For international diving:

- Research local emergency services before diving

This information emphasizes the importance of proper training, equipment, and knowledge of emergency procedures for safe diving. Before you return to diving after an injury or illness, seek the advice of a diving doctor.