Juan De Garayvideo
What to do if: DSD starts panicking
September 17, 2020 · 6 min · 2 views
What this video covers
Scuba instructors managing a panicked Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) participant should prioritize non-verbal reassurance through direct eye contact and physical touch on the shoulder.1:39 If a student signals to ascend, instructors should move up only one meter, pause, and confirm the student's comfort level before proceeding.2:16 To reduce anxiety, instructors should avoid forcing a descent, instead waiting at a comfortable depth while distracting the student with marine life.2:34 Frequent verbal or signaled confirmation of the student's status builds confidence, as does stopping the descent before the student requests it.3:23 Instructors should prepare participants during the pre-dive briefing by explaining that initial stress is a common, temporary reaction that typically dissipates after the first five minutes or five meters of depth.4:31 Maintaining a calm, unhurried demeanor and matching the student's pace prevents the student from aborting the dive entirely.5:20 Managing a DSD participant's panic requires patience, controlled pacing, and proactive psychological preparation.
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