PADI's View on Calling for HELP

[Quarrior]

As a result of the recent discussions on this board about actually calling for HELP or 911 during Rescue classes and comments that PADI requires it, I sent an email to PADI directly asking about their procedures/policies in this area.

While they did not give me permission to cut and paste their response, the gist of it is that the use of the word HELP during the class is just a "suggestion" and not a requirement nor a standard.

They did say that anyone with further questions on this issue or other standards are welcome to contact them directly, just as I did.

I hope this clarifies PADI's stand on this issue.

 

[Mako Mark]

I remember tehy brought this up a couple of years ago during IE's that you should train your divers to say the correct words and state them in a low voice.

Personally I continued to use the words PIZZA, that way there is no chance I get charged for Emergency services being called out for a false alarm.

 

[JahJahwarrior]

What are the rules on posting an email? I wouldn't think you'd need permission of any sort, but I don't know the laws on that.

 

[rockjock3]

I don't think using a word like "pizza" during training is going to make a big deal. If you find yourself in a situation that you are calling for help, I'll bet money you'll call for help and not fall back on your training by calling "pizza". Just my thoughts.

 

[John_B]

Personally I continued to use the words PIZZA, that way there is no chance I get charged for Emergency services being called out for a false alarm.

But do you get charged for the pizza in the event Pizza Hut is called out for a false alarm? And if you don't specify what type, do they automatically bring a large pepperoni? Pan style crust?

John

 

[Quarrior]

What are the rules on posting an email? I wouldn't think you'd need permission of any sort, but I don't know the laws on that.

I am one that does not post personal emails without the permission of the person I am having the exchange with.

I did not gain that approval because he feared someone might misquote something and put him in a bad light.

I respect his choice. He did offer for anyone to contact PADI directly for any questions they may have.

 

[Crowley]

We've discussed the help thing several times and I've posted up the extract from the PADI Instructor Manual so I'm not going to flog the proverbially expired equine...

However - an interesting footnote about the Pizza thing is that here in the Thailand, the number for the Tourist Police (who can activate what EMS there is) is 1155. The number for Pizza Hut is 1150... If we did have a real emergency there is the very real possibility of calling Pizza Hut for an ambulance...!! Or alternatively, phoning EMS for a Pizza...! Although there are times, I feel, when Pizza delivery does in fact qualify as an emergency service.... Hehe!

Safe Pizza Eatin'

C.

 

[Ex-Aquanaut]

One of the girls in the shop actually did that once (call the police for pizza)

That's why we stay safe now and dial 1112 (Pizza Co.)

I hate Pizza Hut here anyway.

 

[Colliam7]

Crowley and several others have posted the actual text in the PADI Instuctor Manual which addresses this issue, so the PADI position is very public and concerns about proprietary emails can probably be put to rest. It is not a secret, nor is it a requirement, rather a recommendation to consider.

One of the girls in the shop actually did that once (call the police for pizza) ... That's why we stay safe now and dial 1112 (Pizza Co.) ... I hate Pizza Hut here anyway.

And, if we ever have a contest for the best tangential evolution of a thread, I think this one will be a serious contender! I love it.

 

[DiverBizz]

Pizza, Donuts, Ice Cream, whatever...I believe that calling out for these things during training is not going to lead to the student calling for pizza during an emergency. I have been at Casino Pt. and around when the divers I noticed called out for help they were calling for "help" not pizza. These were not drills but true emergencies. Afterward I have heard that the divers providing assistance were experienced divers with rescue training.