Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) are structured protocols that outline specific steps to be taken when a freediving emergency occurs. Every organized freediving activity should have a written EAP that is reviewed and practiced by all participants.
What is an EAP?
An emergency action plan is a written, role-specific response plan for foreseeable medical and operational emergencies. In freediving it should define who recognizes an incident, who enters the water, who provides oxygen and resuscitation, who calls emergency services, and how transport decisions are made.
What should be included?
A competition EAP should cover blackout, loss of motor control, barotrauma, suspected DCS/DCI, pulmonary edema, cardiac events, weather changes, lost diver response, communication trees, oxygen logistics, AED access, evacuation routes, chamber contacts, and incident documentation.
How should EAPs be tested?
Organizers should run tabletop reviews and timed field drills before competition. Test radios, oxygen flow, AED location, rescue boat timing, water exit points, EMS handoff, chamber contact numbers, and the transition from in-water rescue to medical care.
Medical Equipment Checklist
Required equipment includes supplemental oxygen (minimum 15L/min delivery), pocket mask or BVM, AED, first aid kit, emergency contact list, and incident report forms. Equipment should be checked before every session.