First Aid For Divers

AIM
To teach the basics of First Aid likely to be needed in the sports diving environment making use of the resources likely to be available at the time. This will include the improvisation of dressings, splints, etc., using materials and equipment commonly available on site or in the boat.

DURATION
One day.

ENTRY GRADE
Any BSAC member.

INSTRUCTORS
This course must be lead by an Approved First Aid for Divers Instructor, assisted either by other Approved FAD Instructors or NQIs seeking such approval - see Note 4. A register of Approved First Aid for Divers Instructors is maintained by the Chief Examiner / BSAC HQ.
Ratio: One Instructor for every twelve students.

FACILITIES
Suitable classroom with teaching aids for formal presentations and with clean, carpeted area for practical sessions which will involve 'casualties' being laid on the floor and 'first aiders' working on them. Equipment and materials for practical sessions, as detailed in Course Instructor Notes.

APPROVAL
Skill Development Course Approval Procedure applies.

QUALIFICATION
Course Certification will be issued by BSAC HQ after the event.

SYLLABUS

Instructor Briefing
Assemble, Introductions, Administration, Course Aim			15 minutes
1	Theory Lesson	Principles and Priorities of First Aid What is First Aid? Purpose of First Aid The First Aider Priorities	30 minutes
2	Practical Lesson	Casualty Examination	40 minutes
3	Theory Lesson	Summoning Assistance Diving Incident Non-diving incident	15 minutes
4	Theory Lesson	Shock Definition Mechanisms and causes Signs and Symptoms First Aid Measures	15 minutes
5	Theory Lesson	Wounds and Bleeding Definition General First Aid Open Wounds Internal Bleeding First Aid Treatment	20 minutes
6	Practical Lesson	Bandaging and Pressure Points	60 minutes
7	Theory Lesson	Burns Types Classification Signs and Symptoms General treatment - superficial burns General treatment - partial & full thickness burns General treatment - chemical burns	15 minutes
8	Theory Lesson	Miscellaneous Injuries and Conditions Causes, Signs and Symptoms, and First Aid Treatment for: Mask squeeze Ear problems Sinuses Teeth Blast injury Seasickness Hypothermia Hyperthermia Exhaustion	30 minutes
9	Theory Lesson	Injuries to Muscles, Bones and Joints The Skeleton Muscles Causes, Signs and Symptoms, and First Aid Treatment for: Strains Sprains Fractures Dislocations	20 minutes
10	Practical Lesson	Dressings, Splinting and Moving Casualties	90 minutes
11	Theory Lesson	First Aid Kits Small Boat Kit Dive Marshal’s Kit	15 minutes
12	Classroom	Open Forum and Course Debrief Issue Student Packs Enter student details onto SDC Approval / Report form	20 minutes
		Disperse

NOTES

The order in which the syllabus is listed represents the recommended sequence for this one day course.
The contents of the course should emphasise practical first aid, but with sufficient explanatory theory to put the practice into its true context.
Instructors should base their teaching on the Instructor Notes which will be provided. A set of OHP Foil originals are also available for this course, price £4.50 from the Technical Support Department at BSAC HQ. Further useful references may be found in the following publications:
- Safety and Rescue for Divers, by BSAC
- Diving Medicine for Scuba Divers, available from Diver Magazine Mailshop.
- First Aid Manual, Dorling Kindersley (the official St John Ambulance, British Red Cross, St Andrews Ambulance Association manual).
BSAC NQIs who wish to gain First Aid for Divers Instructor status should apply to the Technical Support Manager at BSAC for the appropriate application form.

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Page last modified: 15th Dec 2006 - 16:59:04