RESCUING THE UNRESPONSIVE DIVER AT THE SURFACE (3)

Positive buoyancy saves your energy because you don't have to struggle to stay at the surface. You may want to keep your weights, however, if they help you attain a vertical orientation for giving rescue breaths. Whether this will be a factor depends on the exposure suit you're wearing and the in water rescue breath technique you use. If you decide to keep your weight, inflate your BCD just enough to keep you comfortably at the surface. You'll get a feel for what works best for you as you experiment and practice in the Rescue Diver course.

You'll give rescue breaths using one of three methods. In order of recommended preference. these are mouth to pocket mask, mouth to mouth (or nose) and mouth to snorkel. Watch the PADI Rescue Diver Video for demonstrations of each of these. Remember that the techniques you use may vary depending upon the situation and local protocols. The main priority is to activate the emergency medical system and if the victim isn't breathing, to maintain regular rescue breaths while towing the victim to the boat or shore.