Narc'd on the Chamber Dive

by Jillian Kennedy

What do you think happens when you drop a ping pong ball in a chamber pressurised to 50m? If I wasn’t so narc’d I’d be able to tell you. Last month a group of 13 us went to the Wesley Hospital Hyperbaric Chamber to experience just what getting narc’d is like. After arriving at the hospital we were given our very attractive 100% cotton clothes to wear inside the chamber and were briefed. The first part of the chamber (where we would make our descent and be during the deepest part of the dive) is quite small and can get very humid as the pressure increases.

After finding a spot to sit in the chamber, we were reminded not to speak as we descended in case anybody had trouble with their ears. When we eventually hit 50m, the attendant from the hospital dropped the ping pong ball and spoke for the first time. At this point everyone lost it in a fit of giggles as his voice now sounded more like a chipmunk on helium! Once everyone began to talk, it was hard to tell whether we were laughing at the sound of our own voices or everyone else’s (or if at anything in particular). At 50m we not only were very entertained by our own antics; I never thought I would have so much trouble putting up six fingers, yep I was definitely narc’d! But also with the randomness of conversations, particularly thanks to the question on everyone’s lips “what happens if you fart in the chamber?” (Thanks Suzie!!).

After several minutes at 50m we ascended very slowly and then moved to the second chamber, which was quite roomy and comfort- able in comparison. There, as we spent the next hour or so ascending, we were given pizza and soft drinks whilst we sat and relaxed.

The chamber is a must do for all divers, not only is it incredibly entertaining but very interesting to see just how you and others will react. Thanks Snorkel Safari!