Originally Released: August, 1999
Patient / Consumer Inquiries: 1-800-492-5538
Media Contact: 410-328-8919

Shock Trauma physicians warn about dangers of diving

Doctors at the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center are warning area residents about the dangers of diving into shallow water. In only the past ten days, five young men have been admitted to the Shock Trauma Center with spinal cord injuries after diving into shallow water. All are now either paraplegic or quadriplegic.

"We admit patients with preventable diving injuries every summer, but it is uncommon for us to have so many here at the same time," says Thomas Scalea, M.D., Physician-in-Chief of the Shock Trauma Center and Director, Program in Trauma at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. "Life-altering changes are experienced not only by the patient with a spinal cord injury, but by the parents, families and friends as well," he says.

Shock Trauma Center officials urge people to take precautions that can prevent these types of spinal cord injuries from occurring.

When jumping into unknown water, remember the slogan feet first the first time. Also, never drink and dive. "If alcohol is involved, it slows down reaction time and impairs a person's judgments," says Dr. Scalea.

While at the beach, don't dive toward the bottom of oncoming waves and don't stand with your back to the waves. Also use caution while bodysurfing by always extending your hands ahead of you. Finally, don't dive into unfamiliar bodies of water. It is important to remember that three out of four diving accidents occur in natural bodies of water like lakes and rivers.

While in a pool, be sure to test the spring of the diving board before using it. Bear in mind that diving off the side of a diving board is extremely dangerous; you should only dive straight ahead. Also don't dive into an above ground pool or into the shallow end of a pool. Nine out of every 10 diving injuries occur in six feet of water or less.

When diving, plan your dive path and practice carefully before you dive. Remember to keep you arms extended and hands up; they can protect your head and neck. Finally, keep your dives simple.

###

For patient inquiries, call 1-800-492-5538 or click here to make an appointment.


This page was last updated on: March 12, 2008.