that does sound like a rip off...
there is a mod called Thomsen_s_No_Instant_DeathScreen_Mod___effects_V1. 1 it may be incorporated into other mods too (edits are made to the zone.cfg mainly)...but you should have flooding and a more protracted damage situation in critcal conditions...
you will find a lively discussion about it here:
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/show...eathScreen_Mod