Signed up for Rescue

[TheHuth]

I finally got signed up for my Rescue Class today. Looks like I have a bit of studying to do. I'm hoping to have the course completed before the end of July. I also knocked out my Nitrox class today, which should be helpful down the road. I just need to take my EFR class. It was supposed to be tonight, but had to be delayed.

I do eventually want to move up the ladder to Divemaster. But I have plenty to keep me occupied for now. And realistically I think I need to get a substantial amount of dives in before I consider moving on to that.

I signed up with my Local Dive club today too. So I think I have the tools. I just need to put them to use.

 

[guruboy]

You can try looking into the NAUI TA certification. It similar to divemaster but still non-pro level.

 

[m0xty]

Rescue material in DM is a repeat from your rescue course...
Hope you would enjoy your rescue course

 

[Macan]

Good luck on your Rescue Course. From your description, it sounds like a PADI course.

There are 10 skills that you need to be proficient at. Of the 10, one in particular stands out. That is, Rescue Skill #7, Unconscious Diver on the Surface.

This is the skill that PADI re-test for all DM and Instructor candidates, and for good reason.

The skill involved towing an unconscious diver to shore/boat while removing the victim's gear and your gear, and administering rescue breaths every 5 seconds (while gear removal and towing is taking place). So, it's multitasking and a good test of your skills.

Sounds easy? Actually it's not. I've seen candidates fail because they failed to protect the victim's airway from water entry, was late in giving rescue breaths (must be every 5 seconds), couldn't tow the victim while delivering rescue breaths, etc.

Master this skill. When you become a DM or higher, you will earn a unique responsibility called Duty Of Care. Being highly proficient in rescue skills will prepare you to take on this privilege.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

Some agencies have made the tow with rescue breathing situation dependent for the rescue class.

Pro's still have to perform it but the truth is it depends on the situation. You DO NOT want to waste time trying to do rescue breaths in conditions that would make trying to do that delay getting the victim to proper care. If the victim is not breathing you need to get compressions started as soon as possible. Those cannot be done in the water.

The practical thing to do for the average rescue diver is to MAYBE try giving two breaths when you first get the vic to the surface. If it proves to be too difficult, drop it and haul butt for shore or boat.

The other thing is that unless, like an instructor or active DM, you actually practice the skill on a regular basis adrenaline is going to take over and you are more likely to close off the airway when trying to get one or actually push the victim underwater trying to get high enough to deliver the breaths. There is only so far you can turn a head to try and do it. Then you once again close the airway.

Forget the snorkel use to try and do it if the shop has sold you one of those useless dry, semi dry, or any snorkel with a purge. If you don't have simple j tube don't even waste time on it.

My instructor also had us do some silly crap like flick the water off your hands when you try to pinch the nose for DM level rescue.

Bottom line is to get them out of the water as quickly as possible.

First and foremost however in a good rescue class is to spend as much, if not more, time on how to prevent a situation from developing into a rescue event. All types of gear configurations should be covered, situational awareness, and I try to make the course as realistic as possible. Sometimes that means having "victims" families and friends on shore getting upset.

There should also be extensive discussion on the after-effects of a rescue on the rescuer and bystanders.

Lastly I'll tell you that no real rescue ever goes by the book 100%.

 

[TMHeimer]

I don't recall doing the panicked surface rescue in DM course, but I know we did unconscious diver on the bottom.
Re EFR--I had this cancelled, postponed a time or two. I went to another organisation (SJA in Canada) that filled the requirement--they never cancel because it's not just divers, it's a lot of people who need this as a job requirement. And, it was more thorough and CHEAPER.

 

[TheHuth]

I'm not too worried about the cancelled class. Instructor got tied up, so he and I picked another day that work for both of us. I've already read the book, so if I had an immediate need to put the skills to use, I could probably make do.

 

[outofofficebrb]

Congrats! Are you excited? I just signed up a couple of weeks ago. I'm actually headed down your way, @TheHuth, to complete it with Malibu Divers in mid July. I couldn't handle the Monterey cold up here.

 

[TheHuth]

I'm very excited. I think its going to be loads of fun. Have fun in Malibu. I havent dove out there yet, but I know there are lots of sites between LA and Ventura.

 

[outofofficebrb]

@TheHuth If you remember, please let me know how it goes!