What happened to the backup diver during the confined space incident?

• A. He recovered and swam out.
• B. He also lost consciousness and drowned.
• C. He escaped unharmed.
• D. He was unaffected.

Answer: (B)

Inside a confined space, the helper faces the same deadly hazards as the person they’re trying to assist. If the atmosphere is toxic or oxygen-deficient, or if there’s water ingress, entrapment, or extreme heat, the backup diver can be overwhelmed just as the victim was. Losing consciousness makes it impossible to reach the exit or continue the rescue, and without a safe way out, drowning can occur. That’s why rescue plans emphasize isolating and testing the space, using proper standby support, and following guarded procedures before entry; a rescue attempt without these safeguards can be fatal to the rescuer as well.