RESCUE DIVER COURSE LESSON GUIDES

RESCUE DIVER COURSE LESSON GUIDES
PADI Rescue Diver Course RESCUE DIVER COURSE LESSON GUIDES Knowledge Development Presentation One I. Knowledge Development Presentation One The first session sets the tone for the course and allows you to establish rapport with the student divers. It is important to be well-organized and explain the course requirements clearly. Build enthusiasm during this session by explaining that the rescue diver program differs from previous training levels because it expands their awareness beyond themselves to assisting others. Emphasize that the course is challenging and deals with a serious subject, but is at the same time rewarding and fun. Explain that each Knowledge Development Section develops information to correspond synergistically to the rescue skills and scenarios they will learn and practice during the rescue training sessions. The first section of the PADI Rescue Diver Manual supports this Knowledge Development Section of the course. If possible, have student divers read Section One, complete the Knowledge Review, and watch the corresponding video sequence of the PADI Rescue Diver Video before attending.

Knowledge Development One Overview
PADI Rescue Diver Course Knowledge Development One Overview Welcome and Introductions Course Structure Performance Requirements/Prerequisites Equipment and Material Requirements Schedule, Logistics and Paperwork Rescue - Knowledge Development One Overview and Learning Objectives By the end of this section, the student should be able to answer the questions in italics: A. Welcome and Introductions 1. Course Structure 2. Performance Requirements 3. Equipment and Material Requirements 4. Schedule, Logistics and Paperwork 5. Certification

PADI Rescue Diver Course Knowledge Development One Overview The Psychology of Rescue Recognizing Diver Stress Being Prepared for a Diver Emergency First Aid Kit Emergency Oxygen Delivery Systems Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Rescue - Knowledge Development One B. The Psychology of Rescue • What is the most common cause of diver emergencies? • Do Not Risk Your Life • What three things should you consider before attempting an inwater rescue of someone in the water? 1. Recognizing Diver Stress • What is diver stress? • What are seven causes and examples of physical stress? • What are three examples of psychological (emotional) stress caused by physical stress? • What are four causes of psychological stress other than physical stress? • What is perceptual narrowing? • What effects can stress produce in a diver? C. Being Prepared for a Diver Emergency 1. First Aid Kit • What supplies belong in a well-stocked first aid kit and how are they used? • What is a pocket mask? • What are four advantages of a pocket mask? 2. Emergency Oxygen Delivery Systems • Why is it important to have emergency oxygen available? • What are the three primary types of emergency oxygen systems? • How do the three primary types of emergency oxygen systems differ? • Which two types of emergency oxygen systems are recommended for use by rescue divers? • How much oxygen should be available? 3. Automated External Defibrillator (AED) • What is an AED? • What is the benefit of having an AED on hand?

PADI Rescue Diver Course Knowledge Development One Overview Accident Management Managing an Emergency Responding to Diver Emergencies Self-Rescue – Looking After Yourself First Recognizing Rescue Situations Nonswimming Assists and Rescues Assisting the Responsive Diver at the Surface Rescue - Knowledge Development One D. Accident Management 1. Managing an Emergency • What is the difference between a “victim” and a “patient”? • What are the two possible roles a rescue diver may have at a dive accident scene? • What two forms of readiness prepare you to manage an emergency? What are the elements of each? • What are the six basic steps for emergency management? • What considerations and procedures are involved with forming a local emergency assistance plan? E. Responding to Diver Emergencies 1. Self-rescue – Looking After Yourself First • What three areas of preparation increase your self-rescue abilities? • What three dive procedures help you anticipate and prevent problems while diving? • What should you do when you encounter a problem while diving? • What are five skills that increase your self-rescue abilities? 2. Recognizing Rescue Situations • What signs and behaviors indicate a diver may have a problem at the surface? • What are the characteristics that indicate a tired diver? • What are the characteristics that indicate a panicked diver? 3. Nonswimming Assists and Rescues • Why does the rescuer’s safety take priority over the distressed diver’s safety in an emergency situation? • What are the four types of nonswimming rescues you can use to help a diver at the surface? 4. Assisting the Responsive Diver at the Surface • What are the two types of responsive diver at the surface rescues? • Why is rescuing a panicked diver the most hazardous situation for the rescuer?

PADI Rescue Diver Course
Course Structure Independent study The PADI Rescue Diver Manual and Rescue Diver Video or DVD. Knowledge development sessions Organization and schedule. Final exam Covers topics you have already studied; 75% score required. Rescue training sessions Skill development and practical application occur during five rescue training sessions (confined or open water). Open water experience consists of four open water rescue scenarios. Rescue - Knowledge Development One 1. Course Structure – Similar to other PADI courses, the structure of the Rescue Diver program allows for maximum flexibility. a. Independent Study - This is the most flexible way to develop knowledge. The PADI Rescue Diver Manual and PADI Rescue Diver Video provide the foundation you need to progress and succeed in the course. The text includes study question exercises that confirm your understanding and knowledge reviews at the end of each section to verify your mastery of the material. [Assign independent study topics. If these materials are not available in a language the divers understand, give them the knowledge development presentation schedule you plan to follow.] b. Knowledge Development Sessions [Explain how you will organize review sessions, and provide schedule.] 1. Final Exam – Prior to certification, you will take the Rescue Diver Exam. This test provides proof that you have grasped the concepts necessary to become a PADI Rescue Diver. The exam covers topics you have either studied independently or discussed in class, so you will be well prepared for it. c. Rescue Training Sessions [Explain how you will organize Rescue Training Sessions, whether they will occur in confined water and/or under open water conditions, and provide a schedule for the five Rescue Training Sessions.] 1. Skill development and practical application occur during five Rescue Training Sessions. [It is recommended you begin initial rescue skill development and mastery in confined water. Explain how skill practice in confined water leads to application in open water.] 2. There are ten rescue exercises that will be completed during five Rescue Training Sessions. The rescue exercises introduce skills in a logical sequence and subsequent exercises build on previous ones. Your open water experience will consist of four open water rescue scenarios that require you to draw from earlier sessions and apply skills to realistic situations.

Performance Requirements
PADI Rescue Diver Course Performance Requirements Course philosophy - no single “right” way to perform a rescue. Consider: Different physical abilities and attributes. Dive environments can present unique challenges. Adapt techniques to suit the situation. Each course phase has specific performance requirements. The goal is to perform an effective rescue. Rescue - Knowledge Development One 2. Performance Requirements a. The PADI Rescue Diver course philosophy is framed around the concept that there is no single “right” way to perform a rescue. Because people differ in their physical abilities and attributes, and dive environments can present unique challenges, rescue divers must adapt techniques to suit the situation. 1. Each course phase has specific performance requirements you must meet, but how you meet those goals may differ from the methods your classmates use. The goal is the same – that everyone is able to perform an effective rescue. 2. The study objectives and skills overview throughout the PADI Rescue Diver Manual define what you will accomplish during the rescue training sessions. The Rescue Diver Video shows various techniques used to meet the skill performance requirements for the course. By reviewing these before your Rescue Training Sessions, you will be better prepared to practice the skills.

Performance Prerequisites
PADI Rescue Diver Course Performance Prerequisites Prior to Knowledge Development Two and Rescue Training Session Two you must have completed: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and secondary care within the past 24 months. The Emergency First Response Primary Care (CPR) and Secondary Care (First Aid) courses meet these prerequisites. Rescue - Knowledge Development One b. Prior to Knowledge Development Two and Rescue Training Session Two of the PADI Rescue Diver course you must have completed a sanctioned course in both Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and secondary care within the past two years (24 months). The Emergency First Response Primary Care (CPR) and Secondary Care (First Aid) courses meet these requirements. [If a student needs to meet these requirements and you are conducting an Emergency First Response course, explain how the course schedule could accommodate the student. If not, explain the options student divers have for meeting this requirement.]

Equipment, Schedule & Certification
PADI Rescue Diver Course Equipment, Schedule & Certification Equipment Use equipment appropriate for the local diving environment. You will be using first aid and oxygen equipment. Schedule, logistics & paperwork Complete paperwork. Certification Complete all Knowledge Reviews, final exam, Rescue Training Sessions, and the Open Water Rescue Scenarios. Rescue - Knowledge Development One 3. Equipment and Materials Requirements [Discuss diver equipment requirements and other logistical information. Answer student diver questions regarding the course.] 4. Schedule, Logistics and Paperwork [Complete required paperwork (Liability Release, Statement of Understanding, and Medical Form, etc.), ensure that students understand the times, locations and requirements for all course sessions, etc.] 5. Certification Upon successful completion of all Knowledge Reviews, Rescue Training Sessions, final exam, and the Open Water Rescue Training Scenarios, you will qualify for the PADI Rescue Diver certification.

The Psychology of Rescue
PADI Rescue Diver Course The Psychology of Rescue Common Cause of Diver Emergencies Risk Associated with Inwater Rescues Considerations before Attempting an Inwater Rescue Recognizing Diver Stress Rescue - Knowledge Development One B. The Psychology of Rescue • What is the most common cause of diver emergencies? • Do Not Risk Your Life • What three things should you consider before attempting an inwater rescue of someone in the water? 1. Recognizing Diver Stress • What is diver stress? • What are seven causes and examples of physical stress? • What are three examples of psychological (emotional) stress caused by physical stress? • What are four causes of psychological stress other than physical stress? • What is perceptual narrowing? • What effects can stress produce in a diver?

Common Cause of Diver Emergencies
PADI Rescue Diver Course Common Cause of Diver Emergencies What is the most common cause of diver emergencies? Trouble can arise without warning: Medical conditions, sudden changes in the environment or an unexpected variable. Most common cause of diver emergencies is poor judgment. Diving activities beyond experience or education. Poor decisions during a dive. Omitted equipment safety checks or basic dive planning. Recognize the cause of an accident so you don’t make the same mistake. Do not risk your life. Rescue - Knowledge Development One B. The Psychology of Rescue What is the most common cause of diver emergencies? 1. An emergency can happen to anyone in or around the water, regardless of how good a diver the person is. Trouble can arise without warning due to medical conditions, sudden changes in the environment or an unexpected variable that no one can reasonably foresee. 2. The most common cause of diver emergencies, however, is poor judgment. Remember that planning a dive is, in part, a risk assessment. Failing to use good judgment when assessing risk can lead to diver emergencies. a. Divers may choose to participate in diving activities beyond their experience or education. b. Divers may make poor decisions during a dive, such as disregarding worsening dive conditions or a seemingly trivial equipment malfunction. c. Divers may skip equipment safety checks or basic dive planning. d. Noting poor judgment may give you the opportunity to intervene before an accident occurs. 3. It’s important to recognize the cause of an accident so you don’t make the same mistakes as those who need your help. 4. Do not risk your life.

Attempting an Inwater Rescue
PADI Rescue Diver Course Attempting an Inwater Rescue What three things should you consider before attempting an inwater rescue of someone in the water? Know how to help others in the water. Act safely to reduce risk to yourself. Consider whether you: Need to enter the water. Have the equipment and training necessary. Can reasonably expect to accomplish the rescue without harming yourself. Rescue - Knowledge Development One What three things should you consider before attempting an inwater rescue of someone in the water? a. Knowing how to help others in the water is important. Always act safely to reduce the risk of becoming a victim yourself. 1. If a diver or person needs rescue, first consider whether you need to enter the water at all. If you can extend a line or pole to the person or aid via a boat, that’s always better. b. If inwater rescue is required, consider whether you have the equipment and training necessary. c. If inwater rescue is required, consider whether you can reasonably expect to accomplish the rescue without getting into trouble yourself.

Diver Stress What is diver stress? A physical or mental tension resulting in physical, chemical or emotional changes in the body. Can induce both positive and negative reactions. Primary ingredients: Initial cause – incident, thought, image, fear, perception. Diver’s disposition – cause viewed as positive, negative or insignificant. Dealing with stress – healthy responses vs. problematic responses. Rescue - Knowledge Development One C. Recognizing Diver Stress What is diver stress? 1. Stress is defined as physical or mental tension that results in physical, chemical or emotional changes in the body. Stress can induce both positive or negative reactions. For example, it energizes you to a higher level in a race or causes you to freeze when confronted with something frightening. 2. The primary ingredients and sequence of a stress situation are: a. Initial cause – an incident, thought, image, fear, perception, etc. b. Diver’s disposition – whether the cause is viewed as positive, negative or insignificant c. How the diver deals with stress. Healthy responses include canceling the dive, getting more information, taking steps to eliminate the cause, etc. Problematic responses include denial or rationalization, magnifying a fear through preoccupation (worry) and blind, instinctive response (panic).

Physical Stress - Examples
PADI Rescue Diver Course Physical Stress - Examples What are seven causes and examples of physical stress? Physical stress is caused by the failure to recognize effects of physical discomfort. Cold and heat. Seasickness. Nitrogen narcosis. Fatigue. Illness or injury. Alcohol or drugs. Ill-fitting equipment. Rescue - Knowledge Development One What are seven causes and examples of physical stress? 3. Divers sometimes fail to recognize the effects of physical discomfort. Even minor annoyances can cause stress and if left uncorrected, can lead to more serious problems. 4. Causes and examples of physical stress include: a. Cold and heat b. Seasickness c. Nitrogen narcosis d. Fatigue e. Illness or injury f. Alcohol or drugs g. Discomfort or impaired function caused by ill-fitted or malfunctioning equipment

Psychological Stress - Examples
PADI Rescue Diver Course Psychological Stress - Examples What are three examples of psychological (emotional) stress caused by physical stress? Psychological stress can result from physical stress and vice versa. Examples include: Fatigue – fear of not making it back to the boat. Overexertion – fear of running out of air. Task loading – more tasks to handle than physically capable. Rescue - Knowledge Development One What are three examples of psychological (emotional) stress caused by physical stress? 5. Psychological stress often results from physical stress. Physical stress can also result from psychological stress. 6. Possible examples of emotional (psychological) stress caused by physical stress include: a. Fatigue – may cause the diver to fear whether he’ll make it back to the boat. b. Overexertion – may cause the diver to breathe air faster and to fear that he might run out of air. c. Task loading – the diver becomes faced with more tasks to manage than the diver is physically capable of handling, such as being unable to inflate the BCD at the surface while over weighted by a heavy object and unable to breathe due to surface chop while swimming against a current.

Psychological Stress - Causes
PADI Rescue Diver Course Psychological Stress - Causes What are four causes of psychological stress other than physical stress? Psychological stress occurs when divers perceive a threat to their safety. Individual beliefs and attitudes and/or expense of dive – pressured to dive. Task loading – mental. Peer pressure - threat to self image; avoid peer pressure. Perception that risk is greater than normal. Rescue - Knowledge Development One What are four causes of psychological stress other than physical stress? 7. Psychological stress results when divers perceive a threat to their safety or well being. 8. Possible causes of psychological threat include: a. Individual beliefs and attitudes, including expense of dive – expense and travel time may cause pressure to dive even though the diver would rather not. b. Task loading (mental) c. Peer pressure (threat to self image) – the diver may make the dive to avoid looking like a coward or to avoid peer pressure. d. Perception that risk is greater than normal 9. Psychological stress stimuli can be either real or imagined. However, the stress that results is very real to the diver experiencing it.

Perceptual Narrowing What is perceptual narrowing? Perceptual narrowing is a decrease in broad awareness through close focus on a perceived problem or a single (ineffective) response. Reduces the diver’s ability to see other solutions or to perceive other potential problems arising. Rescue - Knowledge Development One What is perceptual narrowing? 10. When the body prepares for emergency action, it releases epinephrine (a.k.a. adrenaline). This increases the breathing rate, which when using dive gear can cause decreased breathing efficiency. This may feel like suffocation or air starvation to the diver, which can lead to panic. 11. A diver under high stress (especially one who panics) may experience perceptual narrowing – a decrease in broad awareness through close focus on a perceived problem or a single (ineffective) response. Perceptual narrowing reduces the diver’s ability to see other solutions or to perceive other potential problems arising.

Effects of Stress on a Diver
PADI Rescue Diver Course Effects of Stress on a Diver What effects can stress produce in a diver? Depending on the diver’s disposition, stress can: Cause anxiety or help the diver to recognize the problem and begin formulating a plan to correct it. Active behavior – mask off, regulator/snorkel out, grabbing struggling or bolting. Passive behavior – frozen, trancelike, unaware, unresponsive. Stop, breathe, think, and take alternative corrective action. Rescue - Knowledge Development One What effects can stress produce in a diver? [Have student divers reference the Stress Management Chart in their PADI Rescue Diver Manual.] 12. When a problem arises, the diver feels stress. 13. Stress evokes a physical and psychological response. 14. Depending on the diver’s disposition, the stress can either cause anxiety or help the diver to recognize the problem and begin formulating a plan to correct it. 15. If the diver fails to react or the reaction doesn’t solve the problem, the diver’s anxiety may increase and stress may continue to increase. The next step in the cycle depends upon the diver’s state of mind and training. 16. If the diver’s reaction does not solve the problem and the diver feels unable to correct the problem, the result may be sudden, unreasoned, instinctive panic, and the need for rescue. Panic takes two forms: a. Active behavior – mask off, regulator/snorkel out, grabbing, struggling or bolting. b. Passive behavior – frozen, trancelike, unaware or unresponsive. 17. If the diver’s reaction does not solve the problem but the diver remains confident that the problem can be solved, panic may be avoided. If the diver stops, breathes, thinks, and then takes alternative corrective action, panic is not immediately likely. 18. Whether an individual will panic depends upon individual factors, such as how much threat the person perceives from the situation, and how much control the person feels to remedy the situation. The more threat and helplessness perceived, the more likely the diver will panic. The less threat and the more control the diver perceives, the less likely the diver will panic and the more likely the diver will apply solution thinking. Training, staying within experience limits and personal disposition are the major factors for avoiding panic.

Being Prepared for a Diver Emergency
PADI Rescue Diver Course Being Prepared for a Diver Emergency First Aid Kit Emergency Oxygen Delivery Systems Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Rescue - Knowledge Development One C. Being Prepared for a Diver Emergency 1. First Aid Kit • What supplies belong in a well-stocked first aid kit and how are they used? • What is a pocket mask? • What are four advantages of a pocket mask? 2. Emergency Oxygen Delivery Systems • Why is it important to have emergency oxygen available? • What are the three primary types of emergency oxygen systems? • How do the three primary types of emergency oxygen systems differ? • Which two types of emergency oxygen systems are recommended for use by rescue divers? • How much oxygen should be available? 3. Automated External Defibrillator (AED) • What is an AED? • What is the benefit of having an AED on hand?

First Aid Kit - Supplies
PADI Rescue Diver Course First Aid Kit - Supplies What supplies belong in a well-stocked first aid kit and how are they used? Include items useful for the most commonly encountered diving injuries and conditions. First aid kits are meant to manage minor problems. To stabilize a major problem until definitive care is available. Consider your own safety first. Have protective equipment – avoid contact with other bodily fluids. Include a manual and/or slate that describes treatment. Follow recommended protocol and document event. Be able to detail what was done and when it was administered. Rescue - Knowledge Development One C. Being Prepared for a Diver Emergency 1. First Aid Kit What supplies belong in a well-stocked first aid kit and how are they used? [If possible, have a complete first aid kit available for student divers to examine.] a. Make a well-stocked first aid kit a regular part of your dive gear. A first aid kit useful for the most commonly encountered diving injuries and conditions is useful for emergencies beyond diving. 1. Most basic items in a typical first aid kit are meant to manage minor problems or to stabilize a major problem until definitive care is available. 2. There are many organizations that have first aid kits available that are fairly well equipped for most emergencies. b. Consider your own safety first. Follow procedures to reduce risk of hepatitis, HIV, meningitis and other infections as you learned in Emergency First Response (or other first aid course). Avoid direct contact with blood or other bodily fluids, mucus membranes, wounds, or burns. c. The following equipment is essential for protection and should be included in your first aid kit: 1. Good-quality disposable latex or vinyl gloves. 2. A pocket mask with a one-way valve for rescue breathing an unresponsive nonbreathing diver. 3. Eyeglasses or other eye protection wide enough to protect from splashing fluids. 4. A face mask to avoid inhaling infectious organisms in airborne moisture. d. Include a manual and/or slate in your kit that describes the treatments for the common injuries or conditions. The Emergency First Response Participant Manual and the PADI Accident Management Workslate are good examples. Keep a pad of paper or blank slate for recording the steps you take. Include reference materials with first aid specific to aquatic life injuries. 1. Use an emergency manual and/or slate to follow recommended protocols and document the event. This helps ensure that the diver experiencing difficulty receives optimum care. 2. A detailed and complete record of what was done and when it was administered will help medical personnel. It may also help accident investigators.

First Aid Kit – Supply List/Use
PADI Rescue Diver Course First Aid Kit – Supply List/Use Build a well-stocked first aid kit using these supplies: Gloves and ventilation barriers (protect against disease transmission). Large absorbent dressings and sterile gauze pads (stop bleeding and dress wounds). Cling bandage, adhesive bandages and tape (dress wounds). Dry pads (dress burns), triangular bandages (immobilize dislocations and fractures), sterile cotton, cotton tipped swabs, bandage scissors (clean and dress wounds). Rescue - Knowledge Development One e. Build a well-stocked first aid kit using these items: 1. Durable noncorrosive case – to protect first aid equipment 2. Emergency phone numbers/coins/phone card – to have emergency contact information immediately available and the means to use a pay phone; power adapter or spare cell phone battery may be useful 3. Gloves – to protect you against blood borne pathogens 4. Ventilation barriers – to protect you against disease transmission 5. Large absorbent dressings (various sizes) – used to help stop bleeding 6. Sterile gauze pads (various sizes) – to help stop bleeding and dress wounds 7. Clinging rolled bandages (various sizes) – to dress wounds 8. Adhesive bandages (various sizes) – to dress wounds 9. Adhesive tape – to dress wounds 10. Nonadherent, dry pads – to dress burn wounds 11. Triangular bandages – to immobilize dislocations and fractures l2. Sterile cotton – to dress wounds 13. Cotton tipped swabs – to clean wounds 14. Bandage scissors – to cut bandages and dive apparel

PADI Rescue Diver Course First Aid Kit – Supply List/Use A well-stocked first aid kit: continued… Tongue depressors (illness assessment/splinting), tweezers, needle (removal of foreign material), safety pins (secure bandages), penlight (examination tool), oral thermometer (temperature), bottled water (hydration/heat stroke/burns/eye wash), splints (immobilize dislocations and fractures). Emergency blanket (warmth/shock), cold packs (eye injuries, stings, bruises), hot packs (venomous bites and stings), vinegar (neutralize stinging cells), plastic bags (barrier and/or disposal), small paper cups (drinking from /cover eye injury). Rescue - Knowledge Development One 15. Tongue depressors – to check vital signs during illness assessment and can be used as splinting material for finger dislocations and fractures 16. Tweezers – to assist in removing material 17. Needle – to assist in removing foreign material 18. Safety pins – to attach and secure bandages 19. Penlight – for light and to use as an examination tool 20. Oral thermometer – to measure temperature as a vital sign 21. Squeeze bottle of water – for hydration and for divers with heat stroke, for burns, eye or wound wash 22. Splints – to immobilize dislocations and fractures 23. Emergency blanket – for warmth and to cover divers with shock 24. Cold packs – for bruises, strains, eye injuries, stings and dislocations and fractures 25. Hot packs – for venomous bites and stings 26. Vinegar – to neutralize stinging cells of jellyfish 27. Plastic bags – to dispose of gloves and medical waste and may also be used in lieu of actual gloves as a barrier 28. Small paper cups – for drinking and to cover eye injuries

PADI Rescue Diver Course First Aid Kit – Supply List/Use A well-stocked first aid kit: continued… Denatured alcohol, antibacterial soap, antiseptic solution (clean wounds), antibiotic ointment (for wounds), hydrocortisone ointment (for stings and irritation), aspirin (reduce swelling), antihistamine tablets (allergic reactions), sugar packs (low blood sugar), activated charcoal (poisoning), anti-nausea drugs, nasal decongestant spray (clear ears and sinuses), and sunscreens (prevent sunburn). Rescue - Knowledge Development One 29. Denatured alcohol – for disinfectant (not to be used on wounds) 30. Antibacterial soap – to clean wounds 31. Antiseptic solution or wipes – for wounds 32. Antibiotic ointment – for wounds 33. Hydrocortisone ointment – for stings and irritations 34. Aspirin and non-aspirin pain relievers – to reduce swelling and diver discomfort 35. Antihistamine tablets – for allergic reactions 36. Sugar packs, candy or fruit juice – for low blood sugar 37. Activated charcoal – for poisoning 38. Anti-nausea drugs – to reduce seasickness 39. Nasal decongestant spray – useful for divers with difficulty clearing ears or sinuses 40. Sunscreens – to prevent sunburn

First Aid Kit – Pocket Mask
PADI Rescue Diver Course First Aid Kit – Pocket Mask What is a pocket mask? What are four advantages of a pocket mask? A pocket mask is used for rescue breathing. Effective seal and head positioning. Reduces disease transmission. Improves inwater rescue breathing effectiveness for rescuing a non-breathing diver. May be connected to continuous flow oxygen to provide nonbreathing diver with oxygenated rescue breaths. Rescue - Knowledge Development One What is a pocket mask? f. A pocket mask (a.k.a. resuscitator mask or CPR mask) used for rescue breathing. What are four advantages of a pocket mask? 1. Simplifies getting an effective seal and head positioning 2. Reduces worries about disease transmission between you and the injured party 3. Improves inwater rescue breathing effectiveness for rescuing a nonbreathing diver (you’ll practice using the pocket mask during your rescue training sessions). 4. May be connected to continuous flow oxygen to provide nonbreathing diver with oxygenated rescue breaths [Explain that they’ll use a pocket mask during their rescue training sessions and during their Open Water Rescue Scenarios. Encourage divers to obtain a pocket mask for their personal dive kits.]

Oxygen Delivery Systems - Importance
PADI Rescue Diver Course Oxygen Delivery Systems - Importance Why is it important to have emergency oxygen available? Research and case studies show that administering oxygen is one of the single most important first aid steps for: Decompression sickness. Lung overexpansion injuries. Near drowning. Oxygen is the community standard first aid for these types of emergencies. Rescue - Knowledge Development One 2. Emergency Oxygen Delivery Systems Why is it important to have emergency oxygen available? a. Research and case studies show that administering oxygen is one of the single most important first aid steps for a diver suspected of suffering from decompression sickness, lung overexpansion injuries or near drowning. Oxygen is the community standard first aid for these types of emergencies.

Oxygen Delivery Systems - Types
PADI Rescue Diver Course Oxygen Delivery Systems - Types What are the three primary types of emergency oxygen systems? Positive pressure (power resuscitation). Continuous flow. Nonresuscitator demand value. The focus of this course is to provide effective, community standard, emergency oxygen first aid until emergency medical services personnel arrive. Rescue - Knowledge Development One What are the three primary types of emergency oxygen systems? b. The three main types of oxygen delivery units available include positive pressure (a.k.a. power resuscitation), continuous flow and nonresuscitator demand valve. 1. The PADI Rescue Diver course teaches you the basics of supplying oxygen to breathing and nonbreathing divers. 2. You can learn more about oxygen system use in more advanced diver emergency courses and specialized courses with extra detail on providing oxygen. 3. The focus at this level is effective, community standard, emergency oxygen first aid until emergency medical services personnel arrive.

Oxygen Delivery Systems - Differences
PADI Rescue Diver Course Oxygen Delivery Systems - Differences How do the three primary types of emergency oxygen systems differ? Positive pressure units Require professional training and certification. Continuous flow units A supply cylinder and a regulator that delivers oxygen continuously in a steady flow. Recommended for use by divers. Doesn't deliver 100% oxygen because oxygen mixes with air. Can be used with a pocket mask to provide a nonbreathing diver with a higher oxygen concentration. Rescue - Knowledge Development One How do the three primary types of emergency oxygen systems differ? c. Positive pressure units require professional training and certification. Used improperly, these units can cause injury. They’re not considered appropriate for lay rescuers. d. Continuous flow units consist of a supply cylinder and a regulator that delivers oxygen continuously in a steady flow. This is one of the types of oxygen systems recommended for PADI Rescue Divers. They have drawbacks and benefits. 1. One primary drawback is that they don’t deliver 100 percent oxygen to the injured diver because the oxygen mixes with air before the diver breathes it. This results in a lower percentage of delivered oxygen and is somewhat wasteful. 2. Another drawback is that these units are wasteful because they flow oxygen at all times, even when the diver is not inhaling. 3. Continuous flow is important, however, for use with a pocket mask to provide a nonbreathing diver with a higher oxygen concentration during rescue breathing. 4. Continuous flow is also important for a very weak breathing diver who cannot tolerate a nonresuscitator demand valve system.

Oxygen Delivery Systems - Differences
PADI Rescue Diver Course Oxygen Delivery Systems - Differences How do the three primary types of emergency oxygen systems differ? continued… Nonresuscitator demand valve unit Consists of a cylinder and regulator that supplies 100% oxygen on inhalation. Primary system recommended for PADI Rescue Diver use. Provides highest concentration of oxygen. Does not waste oxygen and therefore maximizes the supply duration. Rescue - Knowledge Development One e. The nonresuscitator demand valve unit consists of a cylinder and regulator that supplies 100 percent oxygen on inhalation, similar to a scuba regulator. This is the primary oxygen system recommended for use by rescue divers. 1. Provides the highest concentration of oxygen to the injured diver. 2. Does not waste oxygen and therefore maximizes the supply duration. 3. Suitable for accidents in which the diver is breathing. 4. Most nonresuscitator demand valve units also have a continuous flow setting, and can be used in that setting for nonbreathing or very weak divers.

Oxygen Delivery Systems - Recommended for Use
PADI Rescue Diver Course Oxygen Delivery Systems - Recommended for Use Which two types of emergency oxygen systems are recommended for use by rescue divers? Continuous flow unit. Nonresuscitator unit. Rescue - Knowledge Development One Which two types of emergency oxygen systems are recommended for use by rescue divers? d. Continuous flow units consist of a supply cylinder and a regulator that delivers oxygen continuously in a steady flow. This is one of the types of oxygen systems recommended for use by rescue divers. They have drawbacks and benefits. 1. One primary drawback is that they don’t deliver 100 percent oxygen to the injured diver because the oxygen mixes with air before the diver breathes it. This results in a lower percentage of delivered oxygen and is somewhat wasteful. 2. Another drawback is that these units are wasteful because they flow oxygen at all times, even when the diver is not inhaling. 3. Continuous flow is important, however, for use with a pocket mask to provide a nonbreathing diver with a higher oxygen concentration during rescue breathing. 4. Continuous flow is also important for a very weak breathing diver who cannot tolerate a nonresuscitator demand valve system. e. The nonresuscitator demand valve unit consists of a cylinder and regulator that supplies 100 percent oxygen on inhalation, similar to a scuba regulator. This is the primary oxygen system recommended for use by rescue divers.. 1. Provides the highest concentration of oxygen to the injured diver. 2. Does not waste oxygen and therefore maximizes the supply duration. 3. Suitable for accidents in which the diver is breathing. 4. Most nonresuscitator demand valve units also have a continuous flow setting, and can be used in that setting for nonbreathing or very weak divers.

Oxygen Delivery Systems - Oxygen Supply
PADI Rescue Diver Course Oxygen Delivery Systems - Oxygen Supply How much oxygen should be available? Enough to keep the diver on pure oxygen until emergency medical personnel arrives. In remote areas this may not be possible. When traveling, check local regulations regarding carrying oxygen and administering it. If you frequently dive in remote areas, seek advanced training. Rescue - Knowledge Development One How much oxygen should be available? f. You should have enough oxygen available to keep the diver on pure oxygen until emergency medical personnel arrive. 1. When diving in remote locations, this may not always be possible, however, you should carry as much oxygen as you can. [Discuss options, if applicable to situations student divers are likely to encounter.] 2. If traveling, be sure to check the local regulations regarding carrying oxygen and administering it. 3. If you’ll be diving frequently in remote areas, seek more advanced training.

Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
PADI Rescue Diver Course Automated External Defibrillator (AED) What is an AED? Automated external defibrillator. Analyzes a nonresponsive diver’s cardiac rhythm. Guides you through the steps to deliver a potentially life saving shock. Some AEDs deliver the shock, if determined necessary, automatically; some require you to administer the shock if necessary. In some regions, AED use by laypersons may be restricted. Rescue - Knowledge Development One 3. Automated External Defibrillator (AED) What is an AED? a. The automated external defibrillator (AED) analyzes a nonresponsive diver’s cardiac rhythm and guides you through the steps to deliver a potential life saving shock. b. Some AEDs deliver the shock without any further action by you if it determines a shock is necessary. (Sometimes called an automatic AED.) c. Other AEDs determine whether a shock is necessary, but you must deliver the shock. (Sometimes called a semiautomatic AED.) d. In some regions, AED use by laypersons may be restricted.

AED - Benefit What is the benefit of having an AED on hand? Can increase chance of survival in the event of sudden cardiac arrest. Reduces the interval between cardiac arrest and defibrillation. Shorter the interval, more likely the heart will restore a normal heartbeat. AED does not guarantee survival. Rescue - Knowledge Development One What is the benefit of having an AED on hand? e. AEDs can increase the chance of survival in the event of sudden cardiac arrest by reducing the interval between cardiac arrest and defibrillation. 1. The shorter the interval, the more likely the heart will restore a normal heartbeat. 2. However, as with CPR, the AED does not guarantee a diver with cardiac arrest will survive. f. Due to training requirements, cost and the relative newness of the technology, the AED is not currently considered standard first aid equipment for diving.

Accident Management Managing an Emergency Definitions – “Victim” and “Patient” Roles of a Rescue Diver Forms of Readiness Steps to Emergency Management Helicopter Evacuation Steps Local Emergency Assistance Plan Rescue - Knowledge Development One D. Accident Management 1. Managing an Emergency • What is the difference between a “victim” and a “patient”? • What are the two possible roles a rescue diver may have at a dive accident scene? • What two forms of readiness prepare you to manage an emergency? What are the elements of each? • What are the six basic steps for emergency management? • What considerations and procedures are involved with forming a local emergency assistance plan?

Definitions – “Victim” and “Patient”
PADI Rescue Diver Course Definitions – “Victim” and “Patient” What is the difference between a “victim” and a “patient”? A victim – a diver in an accident situation who either has yet to receive help, or who is receiving help, but is not yet in a stable, safe environment. A patient – a diver in an accident situation who is receiving emergency medical care (such as your first aid) in a stable, relatively safe environment. Rescue - Knowledge Development One D. Accident Management 1. Managing an Emergency What is the difference between a “victim” and a “patient”? a. In managing an emergency, you will use the terms victim and patient. 1. A victim is a diver in an accident situation who either has yet to receive help, or who is receiving help, but is not yet in a stable, safe environment. 2. A patient is a diver in an accident situation who is receiving emergency medical care (such as your first aid) in a stable, relatively safe environment. 3. For example, an unresponsive diver floating face down is a victim. The diver remains a victim during your rescue, and becomes a patient once aboard a boat receiving rescue breaths and oxygen.

Roles of a Rescue Diver What are the two possible roles a rescue diver may have at a dive accident scene? A skilled rescue assistant. An emergency manager who coordinates the rescue. Your role as a rescue diver may vary depending on who is at the scene and what resources are available. Rescue - Knowledge Development One What are the two possible roles a rescue diver may have at a dive accident scene? b. Your role as a rescue diver may vary depending on who is at the scene and what resources are available. 1. When a more qualified person is present, such as an instructor or divemaster, your role will most likely be that of a skilled rescue assistant. 2. If you are the most qualified diver present, then you may coordinate the rescue as an emergency manager.

Forms of Readiness - Personal
PADI Rescue Diver Course Forms of Readiness - Personal What two forms of readiness prepare you to manage an emergency? What are the elements of each? Personal readiness – consider how prepared you are to face a variety of challenges. Maintain your overall physical fitness. Participate in regular training and practice. Have a proper attitude. Rescue - Knowledge Development One What two forms of readiness prepare you to manage an emergency? What are the elements of each? c. Personal Readiness - As a rescue diver, you need to consider how prepared you are to face a variety of challenges. Elements of personal readiness include: 1. Maintaining your overall physical fitness. Staying in shape ensures that you’ll have the stamina and strength to assist others, if necessary. 2. Participating in regular training and practice. Keeping your skills sharp allows you to perform them quickly and confidently when needed. 3. Having the proper attitude. When you commit yourself to following safe diving practices and being aware of other divers, you are better prepared for emergencies as they arise. Mental rehearsal and visualization help ready you to act quickly and confidently.

Forms of Readiness - Equipment
PADI Rescue Diver Course Forms of Readiness - Equipment What two forms of readiness prepare you to manage an emergency? What are the elements of each? continued… Equipment readiness – in addition to first aid equipment and oxygen, other equipment can help you manage an emergency. Improvise or substitute items if necessary. Knowing how to use equipment is as important as having it there – get further training before you actually need it. Rescue - Knowledge Development One d. Equipment Readiness – In addition to first aid equipment and oxygen, other equipment helps you manage an emergency. 1. Keeping some of these items on hand and/or noting where to find them can make managing an emergency easier: • Binoculars – for spotting divers at the surface and for coordinating a missing diver search • Pen and paper – for recording what happened to whom, where and when • Surf/rescue board/torpedo, rescue float, etc. – for swimming assists • Rope – to throw to divers at the surface, to lift divers from the water, to assist an underwater search and other uses • Circular sweep anchor – to easily mark the center of a circular search pattern • Diver compass – for navigating an expanding square or U-search pattern • Marker buoys – to mark location for missing diver search • Flares – to signal help from boat to boat • Whistle – to alert others at a distance • Bullhorn – to coordinate a rescue effort over a large area • Radio (CB/VHF) – for contacting emergency medical care, especially from a boat • Cellular telephone/public phone – for contacting emergency medical care • UW recall system – if a boat is so equipped, to recall divers or end a missing diver search 2. Depending on the location, number of divers and access to Emergency Medical Services (EMS), having some or all of these items available can help make you more efficient when faced with a rescue situation. 3. You may find that you can improvise or substitute items if necessary. For example, you can use a surfboard as a backboard. Be resourceful. 4. Knowing how to use available equipment is just as important as having it there. If unsure, get training before you actually need it.

Emergency Management – Step One
PADI Rescue Diver Course Emergency Management – Step One Assess the situation. Stop, breathe, and think. Who is involved? Where is it happening? What do you have available? What’s the best solution? Get ready to act on your plan. Every situation is unique. Be flexible and adapt to changing factors. Rescue - Knowledge Development One What are the six basic steps for emergency management? e. Before all else, be ready to act: 1. Anticipate what, where and when problems are most likely to occur. 2. Devise plans to handle those situations. 3. Identify hazards likely to lead to an emergency or complicate a rescue. f. Step One – If an emergency arises, assess the situation. 1. Stop, breathe, and think. Stop and look at the situation – who is involved, where is it happening, what do you have available to assist you? Then, think about the best solution and get ready to act on your plan. 2. Because every emergency is unique – you must be flexible and adapt to changing factors.

Emergency Management – Step Two
PADI Rescue Diver Course Emergency Management – Step Two Act on your plan. If your role is emergency manager – take charge and quickly implement a plan of action by directing others. If you are assisting a more qualified diver – carry out tasks as directed. Rescue - Knowledge Development One g. Step Two – act on your plan. 1. If you assume the role of emergency manager, take charge and quickly implement a plan of action by directing others. 2. If you are assisting a more qualified diver, carry out tasks as appropriate.

Emergency Management – Step Three
PADI Rescue Diver Course Emergency Management – Step Three Delegate There are many tasks others can do. If possible, assign tasks or delegate responsibilities to other divers or bystanders as appropriate. Call for help. Assisting other rescuers. Observing the victim or directing inwater rescuers. Taking notes. Accounting for all those not involved in the rescue. Controlling bystanders. Rescue - Knowledge Development One h. Step Three – delegate. There are many tasks that others can do. If possible, assign tasks or delegate responsibilities to other divers or bystanders as appropriate. Assignments may include: 1. Calling for help 2. Assisting other rescuers 3. Observing the victim or directing inwater rescuers 4. Taking notes 5. Accounting for all those not involved in the rescue 6. Controlling bystanders

Emergency Management – Step Four
PADI Rescue Diver Course Emergency Management – Step Four Attend to injuries. Begin with primary assessment and continue with secondary assessment. Provide Basic Life Support and other primary care until relieved by medical personnel. If needed, contact Divers Alert Network (DAN) or another local diver emergency medical service. Rescue - Knowledge Development One i. Step Four – attend to injuries after the victim is out of the water. 1. Follow the protocols you learned in your Emergency First Response training, beginning with a primary assessment and continuing with a secondary assessment (injury/illness) if no life threatening conditions are discovered. 2. In more serious accidents, you may need to provide Basic Life Support (BLS) and other primary care until relieved by medical personnel. 3. Contact the Divers Alert Network (DAN) or other local diver emergency medical service for information about first aid and to begin preparation for recompression (if needed). 4. You may delegate first aid to qualified people present.

Emergency Management – Step Five
PADI Rescue Diver Course Emergency Management – Step Five Control the scene. Provide evacuation personnel with appropriate information; use the PADI Accident Management Workslate. Obtain correct information from all those involved in the rescue or who witnessed the accident. Make arrangements to contact diver’s family. If appropriate, submit an incident report to local authorities. Rescue - Knowledge Development One j. Step Five – if sufficient help is available, your best role may be to coordinate activities or administrate. This may include: 1. Providing evacuation personnel with appropriate information regarding the injured diver and accident. The PADI Accident Management Workslate was designed for this purpose. 2. Obtaining contact information from all those involved in the rescue or who witnessed the accident. 3. Making arrangements to contact the diver’s family. 4. Submitting an incident report to local authorities, if appropriate.

Emergency Management – Step Six
PADI Rescue Diver Course Emergency Management – Step Six Arrange evacuation to medical care. Get patient into the care of the local Emergency Medical System. Provide information to medical personnel as necessary. Provide emergency services with contact information for where patient is taken. Rescue - Knowledge Development One k. Step Six – arrange for evacuation of the injured diver in more serious dive accidents. 1. Get the patient into the care of the local Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Dive accident patients require medical stabilization and support prior to and during chamber treatment. 2. If asked for, provide information about dive accident care so that medical personnel understand the nature of the injury/illness and requirements for care. 3. Provide DAN or other local diver emergency service the location and contact information for where the patient is taken.

Helicopter Evacuation Steps
PADI Rescue Diver Course Helicopter Evacuation Steps Special procedures when a helicopter evacuation is involved: Communication Pilot directs Area preparation Prepare injured diver No contact Loading diver Approaching helicopter Do not secure a line Rescue - Knowledge Development One l. There are special procedures that must be followed when a helicopter evacuation is involved. [Have student divers follow along in their PADI Rescue Diver Manuals as you review these procedures.] 1. Direct communication between ground and helicopter is necessary (usually radio). 2. The helicopter pilot will direct boat/ground personnel regarding direction, speed, clearing, etc. 3. Remove, stow and secure objects that may interfere with the helicopter. This includes all dive bags, clothing or other objects that may be blown around. 4. Prepare the injured diver as directed – with personal flotation device, oxygen unit, etc. 5. Do not touch or grab a line/basket from helicopter until it touches the ground first (avoid electrical shock). 6. Load the diver quickly. 7. Never approach a helicopter from the rear. Always wait for directions from the helicopter pilot and/or crew. 8. Never secure a line from a helicopter to anything immobile – for flying safety, the helicopter must be able to pull away suddenly and without notice.

Emergency Assistance Plan
PADI Rescue Diver Course Emergency Assistance Plan What considerations and procedures are involved with forming a local emergency assistance plan? A local emergency assistance plan provides you with information readiness if an emergency arises. Have readily available: Local emergency contact numbers. Your PADI Accident Management Workslate. Divers Alert Network or other providers’ contact numbers. Rescue - Knowledge Development One What considerations and procedures are involved with forming a local emergency assistance plan? m. A local emergency assistance plan provides you with information readiness if an emergency arises. This saves valuable time in a diver emergency. 1. For areas where Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are available, most people are familiar with emergency contact numbers – for example, 911. However, it’s a good idea to have local emergency numbers written down and easily accessible at the dive site. Your PADI Accident Management Workslate may be used as a ready reference; write the contact information on it with a permanent marker. [Discuss local contact information.] 2. If the Divers Alert Network (DAN) provides consultation for your area, you should also have those numbers handy. 3. Having an Emergency Assistance Plan is especially important when visiting a new dive site or diving in a remote location. [Explain to student divers that participants in the PADI Divemaster course are required to produce Emergency Assistance Plans for local dive sites. In preparation for moving on to this level of training, they can gain experience in producing plans now.]

Responding to Diver Emergencies
PADI Rescue Diver Course Responding to Diver Emergencies Self-Rescue Recognizing Rescue Situations Nonswimming Assists and Rescues Assisting the Responsive Diver at the Surface Rescue - Knowledge Development One E. Responding to Diver Emergencies 1. Self-rescue – Looking After Yourself First • What three areas of preparation increase your self-rescue abilities? • What three dive procedures help you anticipate and prevent problems while diving? • What should you do when you encounter a problem while diving? • What are five skills that increase your self-rescue abilities? 2. Recognizing Rescue Situations • What signs and behaviors indicate a diver may have a problem at the surface? • What are the characteristics that indicate a tired diver? • What are the characteristics that indicate a panicked diver? 3. Nonswimming Assists and Rescues • Why does the rescuer’s safety take priority over the distressed diver’s safety in an emergency situation? • What are the four types of nonswimming rescues you can use to help a diver at the surface? 4. Assisting the Responsive Diver at the Surface • What are the two types of responsive diver at the surface rescues? • Why is rescuing a panicked diver the most hazardous situation for the rescuer?

Areas of Preparation What three areas of preparation increase your self-rescue abilities? Physical preparation – involves proper health, fitness and diet. Mental preparation – involves confidence and a feeling of well-being about a dive. Equipment preparation – involves familiarity with the use, inspection and general maintenance of dive and emergency equipment. Rescue - Knowledge Development One E. Responding to Diver Emergencies 1. Self-rescue – Look After Yourself First To be able to help others, you have to stay out of trouble, or if a problem arises, effectively rescue yourself. What three areas of preparation increase your self-rescue abilities? a. Physical preparation involves proper health, fitness and diet. Being in good shape prepares you to deal with increased physical demands should the need arise. b. Mental preparation involves confidence and a feeling of well-being about the dive. This includes diving within the limits of your training and experience. c. Equipment preparation involves familiarity with the use, inspection and general recommended service for dive equipment and emergency equipment. 1. Knowing what equipment you have available and how it works prepares you to help yourself should a problem arise. 2. A few emergency accessories that may help you get noticed in a rescue situation include whistles, small emergency strobes, flares, dye markers and inflatable signal tubes. Inflatable tubes are especially helpful if you find yourself drifting away from a boat. The height of the inflated tube above the water surface makes you much more visible. These items can fit into a BCD pocket for easy access.

Anticipating and Preventing Problems
PADI Rescue Diver Course Anticipating and Preventing Problems What three dive procedures help you anticipate and prevent problems while diving? Maintain your equipment regularly and perform predive equipment inspection. Perform dive planning procedures that include risk assessment. Don’t ignore small problems. Rescue - Knowledge Development One What three dive procedures help you anticipate and prevent problems while diving? d. The best way to self-rescue is to stay out of trouble. Three procedures will head off the vast majority of problems. 1. Maintain your equipment regularly as recommended by the manufacturer. This lessens the chance of malfunctions. A predive inspection allows you to catch potential equipment problems before you get in the water. 2. Think about potential problems as part of your dive plan. Remember, diving planning involves risk assessment. Anticipate what problems may arise and devise your dive plan to avoid them. 3. Don’t ignore small problems. Most major accidents start as small problems. If you can recognize that a problem is occurring or is about to occur, you’ll be able to take early action and keep a small problem from becoming a big one. Recognition of problems is essential to self-rescue ability.

Encountering Problems While Diving
PADI Rescue Diver Course Encountering Problems While Diving What should you do when you encounter a problem while diving? Initiate self-rescue through the proper action. Stop. Breathe. Maintain normal breathing patterns. Think. Analyze the problem and plan possible actions. Act. Take logical action and be prepared to take a different action if the first doesn’t solve the problem. Rescue - Knowledge Development One What should you do when you encounter a problem while diving? e. If you find yourself with a problem, you need to initiate a self-rescue through the proper action. 1. The procedure is always: • Stop. Breathe. Maintain and/or reestablish and maintain normal breathing patterns. • Think. Analyze the problem and plan possible appropriate actions. • Act. Take logical action rather than react thoughtlessly. Be prepared to take a different action if the first doesn’t solve the problem. 2. Visualize problems and proper responses to help you make the right choices quickly. 3. Practice emergency procedures often to keep your skills sharp.

Increase Your Self-Rescue Abilities
PADI Rescue Diver Course Increase Your Self-Rescue Abilities What are five skills that increase your self-rescue abilities? Good buoyancy control. Proper airway control. Cramp removal. Handling air-depletion. Responding correctly to vertigo. Rescue - Knowledge Development One What are five skills that increase your self-rescue abilities? f. There are at least five skills that will increase your ability to rescue yourself if a problem arises. 1. Good buoyancy control helps you avoid struggling to maintain your position either at the surface or underwater. It also helps you stay off the bottom, reducing risk of aquatic life injuries, while protecting aquatic life from damage. 2. Proper airway control allows you to breathe past small amounts of water in your regulator or snorkel, thus avoiding choking. 3. Proficiency at cramp removal may stop the pain of a cramp from escalating into a bigger problem. 4. Handling air-depletion is something you practiced in your entry level course. To handle an out-of-air emergency without buddy assistance, consider having an independent alternate air source such as a pony bottle or self-contained ascent bottle. 5. Responding correctly to vertigo prevents an unpleasant experience from becoming a serious problem. • Vertigo is losing your sense of balance and orientation, and can cause nausea as well as stress. • Reestablish your sense of orientation by making contact with a fixed object. • If that’s not possible, watch your bubbles and consult your depth gauge for up-and-down orientation and whether you’re rising or descending. Hugging yourself may also help.

Problems at the Surface
PADI Rescue Diver Course Problems at the Surface What signs and behaviors indicate a diver may have a problem at the surface? Distress signals – waving one arm, whistling, or yelling for help. Struggling on or just below the surface. High treading or finning to lift a portion of the body out of the water. Rejecting equipment – pushing off the mask and/or regulator or both. Clinging and clambering – pulling the body to any high point on the surface. Not moving – apparent unresponsiveness. Rescue - Knowledge Development One 2. Recognizing Rescue Situations What signs and behaviors indicate a diver may have a problem at the surface? a. The signs exhibited by a diver needing assistance are often subtle. An exhausted diver at the surface may suddenly and quietly slip under for no apparent reason. A diver with a problem will often fail to ask for help. b. It is possible that ego threat may keep a diver from expressing anxiety, illness, or other distress to dive buddies or to others. c. Scuba diving equipment often conceals facial expressions and other gestures that indicate stress or anxiety, and it reduces the possibility of verbal communication. d. Signs of distress often are not always easy to recognize, but consider the following behaviors as trouble indicators: 1. Giving distress signals – raising one arm, whistling, yelling for help, and so on. 2. Struggling on or just below the surface, especially with vigorous arm swimming. 3. High treading or finning with sufficient vigor to lift a portion of the body and equipment out of the water. 4. Rejecting equipment by pushing off the mask and/or the regulator mouth piece, or both. 5. Clinging and clambering (pulling the body toward the high point of any object on the surface). 6. Not moving – apparent unresponsiveness.

Characteristics of a Tired Diver
PADI Rescue Diver Course Characteristics of a Tired Diver What are the characteristics that indicate a tired diver? Tired divers are adequately managing stress. Ask for help. Respond to directions or questions. Do not reject their equipment. Can assist with efforts to help themselves. May have a cramp, some injury or other problem, but are still in control. Rescue - Knowledge Development One What are the characteristics that indicate a tired diver? e. Responsive divers who need help at the surface may be either tired divers or panicked divers. Watch for these characteristics because they affect your safety and how you assist them. 1. Tired divers – These are divers with a problem, but who are adequately managing stress. Generally, tired divers: • Ask for help. • Respond to directions or questions. • Do not reject their equipment. • Can assist with efforts to help them. • Are called “tired” but may actually have a cramp, some injury or other problem, but are still in control.

Characteristics of a Panicked Diver
PADI Rescue Diver Course Characteristics of a Panicked Diver What are the characteristics that indicate a panicked diver? Panicked divers abandon rational responses and: Reject their equipment. Fail to establish buoyancy and swim vigorously with arms until exhausted. Do not respond to commands or questions. Fixate on a single, ineffective response to the problem. Will climb on anything or anyone. Will do little to help themselves. Rescue - Knowledge Development One What are the characteristics that indicate a panicked diver? 2. Panicked divers – These are divers with a problem who have become overwhelmed by stress and unreasoned fear. They’ve abandoned rational responses and react entirely through instinct and fear. Generally, panicked divers: • Reject their equipment (mask on forehead, regulator and snorkel out of mouth). • Fail to establish buoyancy and swim vigorously with arms until exhausted. • Do not respond to commands or questions. • Fixate on a single, ineffective response to the problem. • Will climb on anything or anyone to get above or out of the water. • Will do little to help themselves. • A tired diver when you start your rescue can become a panicked diver before you finish. You must constantly assess the victim so you can alter your rescue technique accordingly.

A Rescue Diver’s Safety
PADI Rescue Diver Course A Rescue Diver’s Safety Why does the rescuer’s safety take priority over the distressed diver’s safety in an emergency situation? Your first goal is to stay safe yourself. You cannot help a victim if you’re in trouble too. If you get into trouble, the rescue resources immediately must be divided to help two instead of concentrating on one. Only after you reasonably ensure your safety do you help the victim. Rescue - Knowledge Development One 3. Nonswimming Assists and Rescues Why does the rescuer’s safety take priority over the distressed diver’s safety in an emergency situation? a. Once you recognize that there is an emergency, you need to determine how to act and do so. This is not as simple as it sounds. 1. Your first goal is to stay safe yourself. Rushing into the water to help another diver may lead you to becoming a victim, too. 2. This is for the victim’s well being as well as your own: • You cannot help the victim if you’re in trouble, too. • If you get in trouble, then the rescue resources at hand immediately must divide to help two instead of concentrating to help one. • Although you may take on some more risk than you otherwise might to assist someone, if you’re not reasonably confident you can stay safe, it is usually a better strategy to not attempt a rescue and instead summon additional help. 3. Only after you reasonably ensure your safety do you help the victim.

Types of Nonswimming Rescues
PADI Rescue Diver Course Types of Nonswimming Rescues What are the four types of nonswimming rescues you can use to help a diver at the surface? Generally faster and safer to assist from a stable position on a boat or shore. Reaching and extension assists. Throwing assists from the pool deck, pier, boat deck, or from shore. Wading assists in water no higher than chest deep. Watercraft assists if a boat is available. Rescue - Knowledge Development One What are the four types of nonswimming rescues you can use to help a diver at the surface? b. Getting in the water to perform a rescue should be your last response. It is generally faster and safer to assist from a stable position on a boat or shore. These include reaching, extension, and throwing assists from the pool deck, pier, boat deck, or from shore, wading assists in water no higher than chest deep or watercraft assists if you have a boat available.

Reaching & Extension Assists
PADI Rescue Diver Course Reaching & Extension Assists Reaching assists, although limited to rescues only a metre/few feet from the pool deck or dock, play an important role. Rescue - Knowledge Development One 1. Reaching and extension assists – Reaching assists, although limited to rescues only a metre/few feet from the pool deck or dock, play an important role. • Lie on the pool deck or dock to establish a stable position. Spread your legs apart to increase stability, keeping your center of mass centered over a wide base. • Extend only one arm over the water. Grasp the diver’s arm or a piece of equipment. • Reaching assists can also be made in the water. Maintain eye contact and distance from the diver experiencing difficulty and slip into the water. Establish a firm grasp on a ladder, the side of the pool, or a dock support. Then extend your other arm or a leg to the diver. If the diver is too far away to use a reaching assist, consider an extension assist. Use a piece of clothing or equipment for a quick extension. Remember to establish a firm base of support with your legs spread and your weight low and away from the victim.

Throwing Assists Throwing assists are used when the distance to the victim is beyond the range of an extension assist. The key to success is throwing accuracy. A rescue bag, a ring buoy with a line, a heaving line, or a heaving jug are acceptable throwing devices. Rescue - Knowledge Development One 2. Throwing assists – If the distance to a victim is beyond the range of an extension assist, and if the necessary equipment is available, the next best option is the throwing assist. • The key to success is throwing accuracy, and the key to accuracy is preparation and practice. • A rescue bag, a ring buoy with a line, a heaving line (a line with a weighted knot on the end), or a heaving jug (a line tied to a plastic gallon jug with a small amount of water in it for weight) are all acceptable throwing devices. [Have students design and make their own throwing assists to try out during rescue training sessions.]

Wading Assists Wading assists are more dangerous than nonswimming assists because you must enter the water. Use a wading assist when the victim is too far away for a reach or extension assist but water is no greater than chest deep. Assume a stable position with one foot forward and one foot back and your weight shifted away from the diver. Extend a rescue aid to the diver; after he has grabbed it, slowly walk and talk the diver to safety. Do not attempt this assist in cold water unless wearing appropriate exposure protection. Rescue - Knowledge Development One 3. Wading assists – A wading assist is more dangerous than other nonswimming assists because you must enter the water. Use a wading assist when the victim is too far away for a reach or extension assist, or you have nothing for a throwing assist, but the victim is reachable from water that allows you to go in no further than chest-deep. • Move into the water no more than chest deep. • Assume a stable position with one foot forward and one foot back and your weight shifted away from the diver. • Extend a rescue aid to the diver and after he has grabbed it, slowly walk to safety. Talk to the diver as you walk. • Do not attempt in very cold water unless wearing appropriate exposure protection.

Watercraft Assists If you can’t reach, throw or wade to the victim and a small watercraft is available use it. Do not use an unstable craft that’s easily capsized. Approach from downwind so the boat doesn’t blow over the victim. Turn boat engine off to avoid injury to victim by the boat propeller. Reach the victim from the boat as previously described. Rescue - Knowledge Development One 4. Watercraft assists – If you can’t reach, throw or wade to the victim and you have a small boat or other watercraft available, use that to assist the victim. • Do not use an unstable craft that’s easily capsized. • Approach from downwind so the boat doesn’t blow over the victim. • Reach the victim from the boat as previously described. 5. You’ll practice nonswimming assists in Rescue Training Session Two.

Responsive Diver at the Surface
PADI Rescue Diver Course Responsive Diver at the Surface What are the two types of responsive diver at the surface rescues? Tired diver. Panicked diver. Rescue - Knowledge Development One 4. Assisting the Responsive Diver at the Surface What are the two types of responsive diver at the surface rescues? a. As you learned previously, a responsive diver at the surface can be a tired diver or a panicked diver. b. A tired diver generally needs an assist more than a rescue. The victim is usually rational and able to help remedy the situation.

A Hazardous Situation Why is rescuing a panicked diver the most hazardous situation for the rescuer? A panicked diver generally needs a rescue because the victim will likely lose consciousness and drown after exhaustion if not helped. A panicked diver is not rational and will attempt to climb on a rescuer in an attempt to stay afloat. Driven by fear, a panicked diver can be incredibly strong and overcome smaller rescuers. Reaches, extensions, throws, wading and watercraft assists are always preferred. Rescue - Knowledge Development One Why is rescuing a panicked diver the most hazardous situation for the rescuer? c. A panicked diver generally needs a rescue because the victim will likely lose consciousness and drown after exhaustion if not helped. 1. A panicked diver is not rational, and may hang on to or climb on a rescuer in an attempt to stay afloat. 2. Driven by fear, a panicked diver can be incredibly strong and overpower smaller rescuers. 3. For these reasons, rescuing a panicked diver is the most hazardous situation for the rescuer. Reaches, extensions, throws, wading and watercraft assists are always preferred, if possible. d. A tired diver can lapse into panic during a rescue (most typically during approach before reaching the victim). A panicked diver may come out of panic and may be able to assist problem solving (most typically after a rescuer has made contact and established buoyancy). For these reasons, you must continually assess the victim’s state of mind when assisting a responsive diver at the surface. e. More rarely, a panicked diver will panic passively, not splashing, climbing or otherwise showing overt signs of panic. However, the passive panicked diver will also not respond to the emergency correctly, and may quietly slip below the surface and drown. Therefore, if a diver does not respond to you, assume the person needs help until you establish otherwise. f. You’ll learn the procedures for assisting responsive divers at the surface during Rescue Training Session One.

Knowledge Development One Review
PADI Rescue Diver Course Knowledge Development One Review Welcome and Introductions The Psychology of Rescue Being Prepared for a Diver Emergency Accident Management Responding to Diver Emergencies Rescue - Knowledge Development One Overview and Learning Objectives By the end of this section, the student should be able to answer the questions in italics: A. Welcome and Introductions 1. Course Structure 2. Performance Requirements 3. Equipment and Material Requirements 4. Schedule, Logistics and Paperwork 5. Certification B. The Psychology of Rescue • What is the most common cause of diver emergencies? • Do Not Risk Your Life • What three things should you consider before attempting an inwater rescue of someone in the water? 1. Recognizing Diver Stress • What is diver stress? • What are seven causes and examples of physical stress? • What are three examples of psychological (emotional) stress caused by physical stress? • What are four causes of psychological stress other than physical stress? • What is perceptual narrowing? • What effects can stress produce in a diver? C. Being Prepared for a Diver Emergency 1. First Aid Kit • What supplies belong in a well-stocked first aid kit and how are they used? • What is a pocket mask? • What are four advantages of a pocket mask? 2. Emergency Oxygen Delivery Systems • Why is it important to have emergency oxygen available? • What are the three primary types of emergency oxygen systems? • How do the three primary types of emergency oxygen systems differ? • Which two types of emergency oxygen systems are recommended for use by rescue divers? • How much oxygen should be available? 3. Automated External Defibrillator (AED) • What is an AED? • What is the benefit of having an AED on hand? D. Accident Management 1. Managing an Emergency • What is the difference between a “victim” and a “patient”? • What are the two possible roles a rescue diver may have at a dive accident scene? • What two forms of readiness prepare you to manage an emergency? What are the elements of each? • What are the six basic steps for emergency management? • What considerations and procedures are involved with forming a local emergency assistance plan? E. Responding to Diver Emergencies 1. Self-rescue – Looking After Yourself First • What three areas of preparation increase your self-rescue abilities? • What three dive procedures help you anticipate and prevent problems while diving? • What should you do when you encounter a problem while diving? • What are five skills that increase your self-rescue abilities? 2. Recognizing Rescue Situations • What signs and behaviors indicate a diver may have a problem at the surface? • What are the characteristics that indicate a tired diver? • What are the characteristics that indicate a panicked diver? 3. Nonswimming Assists and Rescues • Why does the rescuer’s safety take priority over the distressed diver’s safety in an emergency situation? • What are the four types of nonswimming rescues you can use to help a diver at the surface? 4. Assisting the Responsive Diver at the Surface • What are the two types of responsive diver at the surface rescues? • Why is rescuing a panicked diver the most hazardous situation for the rescuer?

RESCUE DIVER COURSE LESSON GUIDES

Similar presentations

Presentation on theme: "RESCUE DIVER COURSE LESSON GUIDES"— Presentation transcript:

Similar presentations

About project

Feedback

Log in

Auth with social network:

RESCUE DIVER COURSE LESSON GUIDES

Similar presentations

Presentation on theme: "RESCUE DIVER COURSE LESSON GUIDES"— Presentation transcript:

Similar presentations

About project

Feedback