|
All divers are strongly advised to undergo training in resuscitation
and oxygen provision. The skills developed are extremely valuable, not
only in the diving environment, but in all walks of life.
For
scuba instructors and dive enthusiasts, DAN offers the world’s most
popular oxygen first aid program, launched in 1991. Until DAN developed its oxygen training program and line of oxygen equipment, many injured
divers did not benefit from the use of emergency oxygen.
In
the increasingly litigious environment in which we live, there is now
more pressure than ever for diving instructors, dive charter operators,
lifeguards and other professionals to ensure that appropriate oxygen
equipment and properly trained and qualified oxygen providers are
available where diving or certain other activities are conducted, as
well as in certain workplaces where hazards exist or ill people may
reside.
Oxygen training is available through several first aid training
agencies. However, most of these courses are not diver-oriented and/or
as well supported with experience, materials and equipment.
 DAN
has developed an oxygen provider program to provide divers with this
important training and this is now the fastest growing and most
respected oxygen program for divers, worldwide.
This
program is suitable for people of all levels, from novice to
instructor. The course consists of one unit of competency: Provide
Oxygen in Dive Accidents. This unit consists of two Elements of
Competency:- Resuscitation and Oxygen Provider each with a nominal
duration of 4 hours.
These elements can be undertaken
separately (as is the case with the DAN Oxygen Provider Course in most
countries), or can be combined into one program with a nominal duration
of 8 hours by an appropriately qualified instructor.
Participants must be 14 years or older. In addition, participants
must have completed the Resuscitation element, hold a current CPR
certificate, or must have been assessed as “Competent” in CPR by the
DAN Instructor.
Most injured divers are breathing and
require supplemental oxygen. The Oxygen Provision in Dive Accidents
component is designed to teach the skills needed to perform this task
safely and effectively. Topics covered include diving accident
recognition, the benefits of oxygen provision, precautions and safety
procedures, and oxygen provision to both responsive and unresponsive
victims. Participants are certified in the use of the DAN Oxygen Unit,
or an equivalent system.
The Resuscitation component,
when conducted, is designed to train participants in the management of
the unresponsive victim and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
The
program has been carefully designed to conform to local resuscitation
and oxygen administration protocols, and the certification is well recognised throughout the world through the International DAN
Federation (IDAN). Although DAN Asia-Pacific believes that DAN-style
units fulfil the needs of most dive professionals, it has developed
Extension Modules to train people in the use of more advanced oxygen
equipment for those who have a specific need or desire for such
training. Extension Modules include MTV-100, Bag-Valve-Mask and Closed Circuit Oxygen Resuscitator training.
DAN also provides instructor training
to suitable people who wish to teach the DAN Oxygen Provider Program.
DAN Instructors, who are generally qualified scuba diving instructors
(or equivalent), have all participated in an extensive training
program, often under the close scrutiny of an experienced diving
medical specialist. No other training organisation routinely provides
such direct and intensive medical input and supervision in its
instructor training program.
|
