The ocean is a wonderful, however, unpredictable place. If you or a fellow diver get into a little trouble out on a trip, possessing first aid training may prove lifesaving. Being familiar with first aid training protocols and practices could be crucial in life threatening circumstances. First aid can be administered until medical help arrives especially in circumstances of hypothermia or narcosis. Here are some further reasons why first aid training is an important skill to have as a scuba diver.
Increases safety in the water
First aid training is based around prevention, and that well known saying – better safe than sorry. Having a working knowledge of first aid will make it safer for both yourself and fellow divers by encouraging them to be more alert of their surroundings and water conditions. Awareness is a great way to prevent accidents from happening because if divers are more aware of dangers, they are more vigilant when in the water.
Helps prevent further injury
Knowledge of first aid procedures promotes a healthy and secure environment for divers. It not only instils confidence in yourself, but fellow divers as well. A diver trained in first aid is able to assess potentially life threatening situations and act accordingly to prevent the situation from escalating. Possessing the ability to provide temporary, interim treatment can prevent a victim’s condition from worsening until professional medical help arrives.
First aid saves lives
The biggest benefit of first aid training is the ability to save a life. While it is a normal response to run to the support an injured person, having the proper training will enable you to apply correct procedures and care to the individual in need. Being aware of the signs of narcosis or hyperthermia, will enable you to act quickly if yourself or a fellow diver start presenting symptoms. By recognising signs early, and informing medical professionals ahead of time can assist the patient to be treated quickly once back onshore.
Get your first aid certification
If you want to learn how to apply first aid techniques in the water, Dolphin Scuba offer specialised technical courses that teach valuable lifesaving skills in the water. The PADI Rescue Diver course is designed to better prepare divers to prevent problems, and manage dive emergencies when necessary. You will need to have attended a CPR course and First Aid Training programme within the past two years in order to qualify for the course.
Dolphin Scuba has one of Australia’s most diverse ranges of premium scuba brands, dive watches and dive computers, and can kit you up with your required technical scuba diving gear. Our experienced team is made up of full-time dive instructors who can assist you at our Welshpool store seven days a week. Enquire online to find out how you could become a rescue diver, or feel free to contact us on 9353 2488.