I have a question/yes I did a search

[scubaranger]

I have a question that maybe a scubaboard/insructor can answer. My LDS uses SSI and I'm very happy with them. I'm a firefighter and paramedic I would like to take the SSI rescue diver course.(I'm certified thru work but I want to take a more formal class and to increase my knowledge). My question is does my Paramedic Cert. or ACLS supersede a CPR card. I would think so or do I have to go out and get the card (even though I do it all the time at work). I e-mailed SSI directly but I know this could take a couple of days and maybe somebody out there knows. thank you.

 

[H2Andy]

i can only answer for PADI, but all you have to present is a certificate that you
have completed a basic CPR/First Aid course in the last three years (some places
require 2 years).

best bet would be to ask your Rescue instructor. they should be able to tell you.

 

[freediver]

You would think that as a certified paramedic and certainly with cert. in acls it would be accepted. If you have documentation of your training this may be accepted by the agency. Sorry, i don't know for sure. Do you not have to maintain cpr "certification" to maintain acls?

 

[scubajoe]

SSI standards allow any type CPR cert. However some shops "exceed" standards and require React Right.

Joe

 

[neil]

I would accept a current Paramedic cert. for either a PADI or NAUI rescue course, don't know about SSI but I assume it's the same. There isn't a FA/CPR course anywhere that teaches what you learn as a paramedic. The only course you might consider at some point is a DMT (Diver Medical Techinician) given by DAN and some other agencies.

Neil

 

[garyfotodiver]

SSI standards allow any type CPR cert. However some shops "exceed" standards and require React Right.

Joe

Dennis Pulley is the Director of Training at SSI. I had a similar question and emailed. Here is part of his reply.

"Among the excepted programs are:
React Right
American Red Cross
National Safety Council
Medic First Aid
If there is a particular program you are looking at feel free to contact me at this address and I can confirm whether it is accepted or not before you take the program. Any program that is completed on line without any practical experience is not accepted."

Hope this helps.

 

[scubaranger]

thanks for all your info. looking back now I've been a paremedic since 1997 and I think I took a cpr class thru work in 99 it was the fastest class ever I did it at work so it was more a check the box type a thing. As for staying current well my job keeps track of all my education mandated courses ACLS every 2 yrs. PALS Bloodborne pathogens and Etc. My responsibility is to attend the classes and make sure every thing is in order. thanks.

 

[freediver]

thanks for all your info. looking back now I've been a paremedic since 1997 and I think I took a cpr class thru work in 99 it was the fastest class ever I did it at work so it was more a check the box type a thing. As for staying current well my job keeps track of all my education mandated courses ACLS every 2 yrs. PALS Bloodborne pathogens and Etc. My responsibility is to attend the classes and make sure every thing is in order. thanks.

if you need the "certification" you could probably locate an instructor to challenge your skills. Naturally you would need Professional rescuer (ARC) or Healthcare Provider (AHA) and in about an hour they would test your skills of Rescue breathing, airway obstruction, CPR, use of resusc. mask, BVM and so forth.

 

[Mako Mark]

you have completed a basic CPR/First Aid course in the last three years .

The RSTC standard is two years and that applies to all members, I believe SSI is a member ot RSTC.

I would certainly accept you qualification, but would ask for a photocopy of your diploma for my files.

 

[Scubamedicjoe]

yes SSI will acept your Paramedic training, how ever you will need a current CPR card as others stated easy done and just do like I did take a CPR instructor course then teach few class's and you good to go .