Rescue is my favorite class to teach. I think the students get the most out of it. As to whether you're ready for it, I guess that's up to you. I would ask this: Do you ever go out diving with just you and a buddy (or a small group), or are you always out with chartered tours with DiveMasters?
If you're not always out with a DM, then I think you're absolutely ready for the class. I can't speak for other organizations and their classes (I'm a PADI Instructor), but I know the PADI Rescue course is worthwhile (and I imagine all the others are too).
Look at it this way. You're probably a decent human being. And if, God forbid, an accident were to happen involving one of your buddies, (or even a complete stranger) you, like most decent humans, would try and do something to help.
But just jumping in there without knowing what to do can get you both killed. Or, at the very least, it can put you in a situation where you, too, need rescuing, which will divert attention from the person you originally were trying to help. Neither is a good scenario. Unfortunately, both are likely if you, with good intentions but no training, try to help.
The best part of the class, in my opinion, is that it gets you to STOP and THINK and PLAN what you're gonna do. It keeps YOU safe. It stops the knee jerk and replaces it with thoughtful response.
You will enjoy the class. Yes, AOW is a prereq. You will most likely need to take EFR as well.
Finally, without knowing anything about you, I will make this prediction (because it happened to me and to every one of my Rescue students so far....). After the class, your predive procedures will change. Up to now, you've been focused on YOU. After the class, during predives, you're gonna be looking at the other divers, watching them gear up. Checking for early signs of panic. Noticing their releases and gear setups. Scanning for all available emergency equipment.
It will make you a better diver, and the best dive buddy around. Good luck!
