SH43: Please sir, my brain is full...We're not stupid

In this podcast episode, Gareth recounts the experience of an experienced cave diver during what was intended to be a routine sidemount dive. Despite their expertise and previous successful dives, this particular excursion took an unexpected turn, prompting reflection on why certain factors may not be apparent in the moment but become evident in hindsight. The episode explores the physiological and cognitive aspects affecting diver performance, touching on concepts like working memory, task load, and background cognitive loading. Analogies such as juggling and buckets of water are used to illustrate the limitations of cognitive capacity. The impact of being submerged on cognitive performance is discussed, emphasizing the need for awareness and adaptation during underwater activities. The episode concludes with insights into the narcotic effects of gases, particularly nitrogen and carbon dioxide, and examines the specific context that contributed to the diver's challenges. The importance of resilience in the face of errors is highlighted, encouraging listeners to understand the local rationality of those involved in adverse events and emphasizing the value of learning from near misses.

Original blog: 

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/please-sir-my-brain-is-full

 

Links:

Carl Spencer’s last dive: https://www.sidetracked.com/the-siren-song-of-the-britannic/

Dalecki et Al, 2012: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00221-012-2999-6

Oxygen narcosis research: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35859332/

 

Tags:

English, Cognitive Biases, Decision Making, Gareth Lock, Incident Analysis