If a diver starts to feel numbness in the limbs, what should they be concerned about?

Numbness in the limbs can be a significant symptom that raises concern for hypothermia, which occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, particularly in cold water environments. As a diver is potentially exposed to cold water temperatures, the body can start to react by diminishing blood flow to extremities to preserve core temperature, which might manifest as numbness or tingling in the limbs.

Hypothermia can escalate quickly from mild to severe if the diver does not respond appropriately, leading to more serious symptoms such as confusion, fatigue, and in extreme cases, unconsciousness. Recognizing the signs early is crucial for ensuring timely intervention and maintaining safety during the dive.

While dehydration, oxygen toxicity, and barotrauma are also important concerns for divers, they typically present with different sets of symptoms. Dehydration would likely lead to symptoms like dizziness or dry mouth, oxygen toxicity usually causes visual disturbances or seizures, and barotrauma can lead to pain or discomfort in the ears or sinuses. Therefore, the symptom of numbness specifically aligns more closely with the risks associated with hypothermia.