This page is an English translation of the original Italian article. The original publication date and historical context have been preserved.
During Rescue courses, I explain that an emergency action plan begins with a few clear principles: identify the hazards of the area, adapt the dive to those hazards, write down the actions that may be required, and consider the people and resources available nearby.
An emergency action plan is a well-organised collection of information that helps people manage a diving accident. It should be simple enough to use under stress and detailed enough to save time when every minute matters.
1. Define the purpose
Do not title the document with only the place name. State what type of operation it covers. A technical dive, a training session, a boat dive and a simple recreational shore dive may require very different preparations and responses.
2. Describe the site
Include photographs, depths, entry and exit points, access roads, likely hazards and other details that help a rescuer understand the location. Add GPS coordinates in a format that can be entered directly into a phone or vehicle navigator.
3. Set out supporting procedures
The plan should support professional emergency services, not replace them. Describe immediate actions, oxygen availability, first-aid roles, evacuation routes and how the group will communicate. Record facts objectively; avoid speculation or personal accusations.
4. List contacts and facilities
For each hospital or medical facility, note the name, direct telephone number, realistic route, distance and approximate travel time. State whether a hyperbaric chamber is available and whether helicopter or maritime rescue can be requested.
Include the relevant emergency number for the country and, for boat operations, appropriate VHF channels.
5. Prepare information for emergency services
Emergency operators need concise, structured information. Frameworks such as METHANE help the caller report the major incident, exact location, type of incident, hazards, access, number of casualties and emergency services present or required.
Also explain which approach road is usable, whether rescuers may encounter hazards and whether medical personnel are already on site.
6. Include an incident-report form
A simple form on the final page can record times, symptoms, dive profile, first aid, oxygen delivery, contacts and actions taken. It may help medical teams, insurers and any later legal review.
7. Date and review the plan
Telephone numbers, roads, services and resuscitation guidance change. Put the date of the latest review on the document and check it regularly. An outdated plan can be almost as dangerous as having no plan at all.
These are the seven points I emphasised during Rescue training. The guiding principle remains: safety is paramount.
