Commercial Divers Be Aware of Risks of Hypothermia

Hypothermia is a serious condition that can be avoided with the proper training and dive equipment.  If you are a commercial diver, you need to know how to protect yourself from suffering from hypothermia, which can be fatal.

Hypothermia happens when the temperature of your body falls below 35 degrees Celsius – a level that is below what is needed for normal metabolism and bodily functions.  It is possible to survive hypothermia, but it depends on what stage of hypothermia you have reached.  Basically, there are three stages of hypothermia, with the first stage being less serious and showing signs of shivering, numb hands and goose bumps.  However the third stage of hypothermia can lead amnesia, inability to use your hands and blue and puffy skin.  The third stage can be deadly.

This life threatening condition can be avoided by divers, as long as the right precautions are taken.  If you are diving in cold water, always use the appropriate diving suit and avoid diving more than once the same day.  You can also benefit from using warming ointments before the dive and be aware of cold currants in the area.

If you or someone you love has suffered hypothermia from a commercial dive, you may be entitled to compensation.  Contact a Houston diving accident attorney at Vujasinovic & Beckcom P.L.L.C. at 713-224-7800 for legal advice.