In a buddy assist situation, which person do you have to take care of first?

In a buddy assist situation, prioritizing your own safety is crucial before attending to others. This is based on the principle that you cannot effectively assist someone else if you are in distress or unable to handle your own situation.

When underwater, if you become overwhelmed or unable to maintain control, you could both end up in a hazardous situation. By ensuring your own safety first, you position yourself to provide the best possible assistance to your dive buddy or any other divers who may require help. This self-awareness and self-preservation enable you to act effectively and efficiently, eventually ensuring the safety of the entire group.

This focus on self-care might seem counterintuitive, especially in a rescue context where immediate help for others feels necessary. However, emergency response principles universally emphasize maintaining personal safety before extending aid to others.