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.

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.

SYLLABUS

Instructor Briefing

Assemble, Introductions, Administration, Course Aim 15 minutes

1 Theory Lesson Principles and Priorities of First Aid 30 minutes

• What is First Aid?
• Purpose of First Aid
• The First Aider
• Priorities

2 Practical Lesson Casualty Examination 40 minutes

3 Theory Lesson Summoning Assistance 15 minutes

• Diving Incident
• Non-diving incident

4 Theory Lesson Shock 15 minutes

• Definition
• Mechanisms and causes
• Signs and Symptoms
• First Aid Measures

5 Theory Lesson Wounds and Bleeding 20 minutes

• Definition
• General First Aid
• Open Wounds
• Internal Bleeding
• First Aid Treatment

6 Practical Lesson Bandaging and Pressure Points 60 minutes

7 Theory Lesson Burns 15 minutes

• Types
• Classification
• Signs and Symptoms
• General treatment - superficial burns
• General treatment - partial & full thickness burns
• General treatment - chemical burns

8 Theory Lesson Miscellaneous Injuries and Conditions 30 minutes
Causes, Signs and Symptoms, and First Aid Treatment for:

• Mask squeeze
• Ear problems
• Sinuses
• Teeth
• Blast injury
• Seasickness
• Hypothermia
• Hyperthermia
• Exhaustion

9 Theory Lesson Injuries to Muscles, Bones and Joints 20 minutes

• The Skeleton
• Muscles

Causes, Signs and Symptoms, and First Aid Treatment for:

• Strains
• Sprains
• Fractures
• Dislocations

10 Practical Lesson Dressings, Splinting and Moving Casualties 90 minutes

11 Theory Lesson First Aid Kits 15 minutes

• Small Boat Kit
• Dive Marshal’s Kit

12 Classroom Open Forum and Course Debrief 20 minutes

• Issue Student Packs
• Enter student details onto SDC Approval / Report form

Disperse

NOTES

1. The order in which the syllabus is listed represents the recommended sequence for this one day course.

2. The contents of the course should emphasise practical first aid, but with sufficient explanatory theory to put the practice into its true context.

3. 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).

4. BSAC QIs who wish to gain First Aid for Divers Instructor status should apply to the Technical Support Manager at BSAC for the appropriate application form.