Rescue class last weekend

[Dave in PA]

I figured that in order to be a better prepared diver, I would take the rescue class even though I am a new diver (23 logged dives). I wanted to share an example of what I feel is a good instructor. There were only two of us in the class and the instructor. We each had the oportunity to be victim and then rescuer. We were working on panicked diver underwater ( out of air emergency) at about 20'. I was the rescuer first, then my buddy was the rescuer. After the instructor cut the scenario, my buddy was putting his octo back in the clip when I noticed the instructor fiddling with his mask and sinking. It took a second or two to realize that this was an unannounced drill...by the time we got to him he had pulled his mask off his face and sunk to about 35'. I grabbed his BC strap with my left hand and his mask with my right and held it to his face, applying pressure to the top of the mask so he could clear it. My buddy was on his right, holding on and adding air to his BC to arrest our descent. After we signalled OK? and he returned it, He had a big grin on his face. After we got out of the water, he told us that most of the time a panicked diver will also spit out their reg, so we should also be ready to provide an octo.

Over all, the class was a very good learning experience and I highly recommend that any diver who is going to dive regularly take a rescue class.

 

[Hoppy]

Sounds like a good instructor indeed, when I did mine they put us through hell. But a course I now think should be mandatory to be honest.

If it does nothing else it makes you a better buddy IMHO.

Well done.

 

[Fly N Dive]

i agree,
rescue divers should be put through hell to make sure that you are truely ready for what happens.

 

[Mako Mark]

Sounds like he taught you some good lessons and you took the right actions. Rescue is very definately a thinking class. I like to make my students play the what if game.. When you are on the boat or at the dive site or even underwater, mentally visualize an accident happening NOW... then go through the vizualisation of how you would respond..

After you prasctice this enough, it becomes habit and you find yourself in the right place at the right time, doing the right thing, sometimes even before you realize that something serious is happening.

 

[jbisjim]

They should put you through hell. Mine was interesting during the class and I was the victim. Turned out we had a real problem with another diver. Had to rescue two people.

We are going out this weekend with a rescue class and I get to play Victim once again.

Practice practice is what it is all about. So when it happens it is second nature. Glad you liked the class.

 

[mogwai]

My instructor did somethng along the same lines. Got me to do a search and recover and object. Then asked me if i got the slate near it. ????? Uh hu, nope didn't see it. Got kinda suspicious when he said 'no probs i will go get it. Be back in a minute' Little bit later, one distressed instructor at surface who rapidly sank. Got in water, brought to surface and did the whole thing. Was brilliant. But 'O my god' was i done in by the time i was finished that course.

 

[SquattingRadishDM]

I agree that the rescue course is a level that every diver should eventually gain, its the step up from being a diver to being a good dive buddy. Dave, like you I did my rescue when I had only done 20 or so dives. I learned so much tho, the instructor took his time with the course and we did loads of drills beyond the usuall ones that the PADI instructor manual says you should do.

He was particularly fond of having me tow an unconcious diver 100m+ to the shore whilst removing equipment and giving rescue breaths. Then hauling him up the beach. Tagged along with all the discover scuba sessions they were running aswell, what an eye-opener THAT was, weight belts falling everywhere and divers bobbing around. It helped so much with my in-water positioning to be there before something happened. It was so worth it, it changed the way I approached diving from then on.

Mark, I agreee with the rescue scenario visualisation, I do it frequently.

 

[Dave in PA]

One of the things I really respect about this instructor, (I have done a couple of fun dives with him), is that he will pull a diver who is having trouble aside during the SI and talk to him about the difficulties the diver may have been having. He will gently suggest ways to improve, without being preachy or condescending. These are not in paid class situations either, just fun dives. The other thing is that he really moves at the student's pace. I was the "designated victim" in the rescue class immediately before mine and the class never moved on to the next task until everybody not only completed the prior one to standard, but was comfortable with it.

I think the rescue class should be taken after a diver is comfortable with their in water skills. It at least makes skills available to divers 'Just in Case'.

It's a weird feeling to sit in a Red Cross first aid/CPR class (last year) and find out that it was the first time 1/3 of the people there had ever taken a first aid/CPR course.

 

[Jersey Chris]

Hey Dave, how are things going? I just finished my Rescue class on Sunday as well. It was a great class and I really learned alot.. Lets try to get a few more dives in before winter.. Stay in touch.. :wavey:

 

[Dave in PA]

You got it...Dutch has their 2005 season passes for sale right now for $130 after Feb 28th, they go to $199.