EFR or other CPR programs

[pilot81]

I understand that it is a requirement to have done the EFR or other CPR programs to go for the rescue diver course. Would like to understand what are the so called sanctioned CPR programs? And which would be a better choice in terms of diving safety? Cheers.

 

[STUEY2]

I understand that it is a requirement to have done the EFR or other CPR programs to go for the rescue diver course. Would like to understand what are the so called sanctioned CPR programs? And which would be a better choice in terms of diving safety? Cheers.

DAN first aid and o2 would be a good first choice although they are separate courses the o2 is diver related and the first aid is your basic home and work place accepted. There are others around ask your instructor what would be acceptable for the course i know in Aust. dan is very well accepted in the diving comunity and the work place.
reguards Stuey

 

[ReneeC]

Contact your local American Red Cross
With the exception of BLS for Dive Professionals I don't believe DAN offers a CPR Course and this one requires basic CPR prior to taking.

 

[mlew]

I understand that it is a requirement to have done the EFR or other CPR programs to go for the rescue diver course. Would like to understand what are the so called sanctioned CPR programs? And which would be a better choice in terms of diving safety? Cheers.

Dan O2 is a must. There is a fairly recently created program by SSI called "React Right" that was recently approved by the US Coast Guard. It combines CPR and basic first aid but is geared more to marine environments.

 

[freediver]

If you have an international Red Cross or Red Crescent, that would be a good place to start. I would start with a layperson class amd not a "diving" CPR course, if one really exists. You are much more likely to have your skills called upon ON THE WAY TO the dive site instead of at the site itself. In addition, the fundamental emergency action principles will be very similar regardless of the course you choose, just maybe different terminology. Might as well keep it simple, for the sake of learning retention and then apply, if need be, to the diving environment.
However, there are some good diving first aid courses (marine life injuries etc..) that should be considered.

 

[MB]

Actually there are dozens, but the standard 5 are:

Basic First Aid
CPR
AED
Bloodborne Pathogens
Emergency Oxygen Provider

Many health & safety organizations teach all 5, but some agencies and courses are more known than others. For example, many people talk about the "DAN O2" course, but DAN is just one provider of emergency O2 training (albeit a good one, and one that many of us support). However, many others also teach emergency O2. Likewise, American Red Cross often gets credit for first aid and CPR, but many other organizations also teach this.

Nice if you can get these classes with a diving slant to them. For example, many of the folks I work with have customized their first aid, cpr, and O2 classes with divers in mind. This is a big deal when teaching things like a field neurological, appropriate for diagnosing serious bends hits, or for in-water rescue breathing. Many standard first aid instructors do not have water skills, so this stuff is just hypothetical to them. Some agencies allow this type of customization, others do not. Also, some agencies charge quite a bit for each class; others work to keep costs down.

Personally, I teach for American Safety & Health Institute (ASHI). They have very reasonable rates on books and cards, and there is ample opportunity to teach the courses as dive-related safety classes.

 

[ReneeC]

You are right - there are lots of agencies that offer CPR. I recommended ARC because it is easy to find a course and because I am an instructor for them as well. ASHI and AHA are good agencies as well.

When I teach my classes at dive shops I have modified the scenerios to dive emergencies including on the boat, from the beach/shore and after the dive. Plus I offer a combination of ARC CPR/FA/AED and O2 for the professional rescuer. I've just become a DAN O2 instructor as well and will incorporate it into the program.

As with everything we preach here regarding classes, the most important thing is to find the right instructor.

 

[pilot81]

Dan O2 is a must. There is a fairly recently created program by SSI called "React Right" that was recently approved by the US Coast Guard. It combines CPR and basic first aid but is geared more to marine environments.

I have been hearing a lot about DAN O2 and it sounds good. But does it cover the requirements for the sanctioned CPR program?

 

[MB]

I have been hearing a lot about DAN O2 and it sounds good. But does it cover the requirements for the sanctioned CPR program?

An emergency O2 class is a great deal for divers, but it need not be a "DAN O2" class. Remember that ARC, ASHI and others teach emergency O2 besides DAN. That's not to diminish DAN by any means! But they aren't the only folks who teach emergency O2.

As far as CPR and O2, they can be combined very nicely. In fact, the neatest combo is CPR, AED, and O2, but these are typically taught as independent courses, unless you request the combo. But they are interesting, and deeply useful.