A WOMAN is in critical condition after getting into difficulty on a dive just metres off uMhlanga’s shore. The 30-year-old is currently on a ventilator at Netcare Umhlanga Hospital. Earlier in the day, paramedics, divers and the local lifesaving club worked feverishly on the scuba diver, giving her CPR.
According to Chris Botha, Netcare 911 spokesman, the visitor was 18 metres off Grannies Pool on uMhlanga’s beach.
“She struggled on her way to the top during her decompression and complained of breathing difficulties. She passed out on the boat and her diving partner as well as lifeguards from uMhlanga Rocks worked for 45 minutes to resuscitate her. She eventually regained consciousness and is in a critical condition and has been placed on a ventilator,” Botha said.
Scuba divers are at risk if their bodies aren’t able to adjust to the increasing and decreasing pressure of the water as you breathe compressed air. Pressure changes can cause injuries when you drop down into the water (descend) and come back up (ascend).
Scott Sowman, chairman of the Umhlanga Rocks Surf Lifesaving Club, said they initially received a distress call from the dive boat.
“She complained of nausea and not being able to breathe once she resurfaced. On the boat trip back to shore, she became unresponsive and her diving partner began CPR. Once she got to shore, we began compressions. We contacted paramedics and continued to assist the woman. She was responsive when she was being transported to hospital,” he said.
