O2 Bill 64

COLUMBUS- On Wednesday January 14, 2004, the Ohio Senate passed legislation sponsored by State Representative Keith Faber (R-Celina) that will allow the sale of oxygen to an individual who holds a valid certification from a nationally recognized S.C.U.B.A. diving school to be used at the scene of a diving emergency.

"There is no question that diver safety is compromised without the availability of oxygen," Faber stated. "A diver myself, I know firsthand the importance of having oxygen available in the case of an emergency."

S.C.U.B.A. diving involves specific stress on the respiratory system. As a diver breathes compressed air underwater, the compressed air takes up less space within the lungs then it would upon the surface. Therefore as a diver ascends, the gas increases in volume (without the pressure to contain it). If the diver ascends too rapidly, without allowing this expanding gas to escape, a small rupture or embolism can occur. Without the immediate first aid response of oxygen, the trauma may be life threatening.

Divers also face serious health risk when breathing nitrogen, which is in the compressed air when diving. While nitrogen represents over 78% of the air we breathe, under pressure a diver's body will absorb nitrogen at a rate that increases with time and depth of the dive. If a diver exceeds the ratio of time and depth, and then ascends, the nitrogen will also expand causing great pain and serious damage to joints and organs. The only first aid that can be given to a diver in this emergency state is the application of oxygen. The oxygen helps to flush out the nitrogen, greatly reducing the possibility of serious and permanent damage.

"Currently, it is illegal for divers to possess oxygen," Faber explained. "It is my firm belief that the possession of the oxygen will make the difference between life and death in these diving accidents."