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Sunday, May 17, 2009

The Squeeze is On

What do I mean by this statement ? As divers, we have many areas that can cause us to have equipment squeezes. But one of the main areas that affect most of us as divers is the squeeze that occurs from our face mask.

Unequalized air spaces can create problems. As mention the mask squeeze is common and occurs on very rapid descents when the diver neglects to equalize the mask.
Increasing hydrostatic pressure forces tissues surrounding the eye to swell into the uncompensated air spaces to fill the reduced air volume.

This swelling damages the capillaries, bruising the skin around the eyes and cheeks. Mask squeeze looks dramatic and severe, and the diver may not know it happened until they look in the mirror. This squeeze clears without complications, but the victim may want to consult an MD.

Other squeeze that may occur is when a diver uses a dry suit. If the diver forgets to add air to the suit and ignores the pinching, and continues to descend, may cause welts and injury.

During ascents the diver must remember to release the air from the suit, or risk a possible runaway ascent.

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