It can be an overwhelming and life-threatening experience, but not many people know a lot about it.
Nitrogen narcosis occurs when divers descend to depths greater than 30 metres.
It can result in feeling drunk, which can be dangerous if the symptoms are not recognized immediately.
Now, the Simon Fraser University’s School of Environmental Medicine and Physiology is offering the public a unique opportunity to experience the effects of nitrogen narcosis in a controlled environment.
They say the experience could help save lives by helping people recognize the signs of nitrogen narcosis that include euphoria, paranoia, memory loss, cognitive impairment, and impaired motor skills.
“First-hand recognition of nitrogen narcosis symptoms is important – it’s better than reading about it in a book,” says Sherri Ferguson, EMPU’s director.
Identifying the symptoms of the condition early enough may allow a diver to take action to prevent a potentially fatal incident.
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One-evening workshops for certified divers are available now and organized by local dive shops and clubs.
They involve a one-hour introduction to the chamber, plus a half-hour dive down to 160 feet where divers giggle and test their mental abilities and motor skills as they experience the effects of narcosis impairment.
The divers are then brought back up to 30 feet where they don oxygen masks for decompression.
Global BC reporter Linda Aylesworth experienced nitrogen narcosis first-hand and will have more in her story on the News Hour tonight.
Anyone can sign up for the program through their local dive shop or dive club or by contacting Sherri Ferguson directly at sferguson@sfu.ca.
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