Steps That a Diver Should Take If Experiencing a Squeeze

A diver may experience a squeeze during ascent or descent. The diver should take a number of steps to manage the acute situation.

Step	During Descent ("Squeeze")	During Ascent ("Reverse Squeeze")
Step 1	Stop descent.	Stop ascent.
Step 2	Ascend a few feet and stabilize. Avoid clearing on ascent.	Descend a few feet and stabilize.
Step 3	Retry descent if able, doing so slowly. Else abort dive.	Retry ascent if able, doing so slowly. Else abort dive.
Step 4	Send down the standby diver if needed.	Send down the standby diver if needed.

Shared responses:

(1) Avoid a forceful Valsalva maneuver.

(2) Report the event to healthcare professional trained in diving medicine for appropriate care.

(3) Identify the cause of the squeeze. This may require a temporary or more long-term deferment from diving.

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