SLAM Lifesaving and Accident Management Training

		SCUBA Lifesaving and Accident Management (SLAM) Prior to the annual summer research expeditions, all SCUBAnauts are required to complete SLAM training (the YMCA Scuba rescue course) with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) to prepare to respond to emergency situations and conduct underwater research tasks safely and efficiently. During this 4-5 day training event, they learn the basic principles of first aid, CPR, use of oxygen equipment, development of accident-management plans, recovery of victims and extrication procedures, recognition of pressure-related accident signs and symptoms, and a brief introduction to recompression chambers and treatment procedures. The final exercise for completion of training is conducted in Tampa Bay where 20-25 SCUBAnauts and adult leaders will be confronted with a simulated lost diver situation. The scenario reaches its climax with a USCG helicopter evacuation of the simulated victim. The SCUBAnauts International (SNI) vessel, Ryan's Dream, departs the slip at approximately 0800 hrs with 8 to 10 SCUBAnauts and dive instructors. Other private and charter vessels bring additional SCUBAnauts to the drill area in Tampa Bay near the St. Petersburg U.S. Coast Guard Station. After practicing a series of emergency scenarios as part of their open water practical exam, Walter Jaap, SNI Diving Safety Officer and past president of the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS), will suddenly shout to the youngsters in the water that “We have a lost diver!” (an instructor and a youngster had previously hidden themselves on the bottom a short distance away). The senior SCUBA Scout will take lead and quickly make a head count to determine who is missing. He/She will then coordinate the search and recovery effort to locate the lost diver.








The simulated unconscious diver is brought to the surface where the SCUBAnauts assess the simulated victim's vital signs, follow procedures for removing equipment and begin to simulate in-water rescue breathing. Aboard the main vessel, a SCUBAnaut radios the USCG on the emergency channel with a pre-arranged message indicating that the final portion of the rescue drill is beginning.The entire team participates to bring the simulated victim onboard the main vessel by strapping the simulated victim to aspine board and lifting them into the vessel. Once aboard the vessel, the SCUBAnauts switch to a full-weight dummy and simulate CPR and oxygen administration as trained. The St. PetersburgCoast Guard Station vessel arrives alongside the SNI vessel and assists in the transport of the simulated victim. The USCG crew quizes the SCUBAnaut rescue team with the appropriate questions.
The USCG Clearwater Air Station dispatches a rescue helicopter to the scene where a rescue diver is lowered onto the USCG vessel. The full-weight dummy (in a wetsuit) is then “rescued” by the USCG as the rescue diver and team demonstrate the procedures used in preparing the simulated victim for ascent into the helicopter. The basket is then raised. The rescue diver returns for one more trip to the vessel to drop off cold sodas and potato chips for the SCUBAnauts before disappearing once again in the helicopter. The USCG vessel returns to base with the SCUBAnauts completing the exercise and training program.