Automated External Defibrillator (AED) for Scuba

This course represents entry-level training designed to educate the general diving (and qualified non-diving) public to better recognize the warning signs of Sudden Cardiac Arrest and administer first aid using Basic Life Support techniques and Automated External Defibrillators while activating the local emergency medical services, (EMS) and / or arranging for evacuation to the nearest
appropriate medical facility.

The mean age of divers who die each year in dive fatalities tracked by DAN is gradually increasing. It is now approximately 42 years of age. Divers are getting older, and older people are getting involved in diving.  Of the 78 dive fatalities in the DAN 2001 Report on Decompression Illness, Diving Fatalities and Project Dive Exploration, based on 1999 fatalities, 7.7 percent of them were caused
directly by heart disease. At the same time, heart disease was the direct cause of death for 26 percent of the fatalities involving divers over the age of 35.  On top of that, 25 percent of divers involved in diving fatalities were also reported to be taking heart medications.  Heart disease is a common problem. To ignore that it affects divers as much as it affects the general population does divers a disservice. When you consider that diving is often done from remote locations - on beaches or off of dive boats - that are far removed from emergency medical help, it is important to prepare for every emergency.

Course Objective
This course, DAN Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) for Scuba Diving, represents entry-level training designed to educate the general diving (and qualified non-diving) public to better recognize the warning signs of Sudden Cardiac Arrest and administer first aid using Basic Life Support techniques and Automated External Defibrillators while activating the local emergency medical services, (EMS) and / or arranging for evacuation to the nearest appropriate medical facility.

Learning Objectives
At the end of this program, Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) for Scuba Diving course, participants will be able to:

* Recognize the warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest.
* Provide Basic Life Support while setting up the automated external defibrillator.
* Provide basic life support with an AED.
* Care for and maintain an AED.

The nature and scope of this course is limited to training divers and interested non-divers such as boat captains, water enthusiasts and non-diving family members to provide emergency cardiac care with an Automated External Defibrillator. This course does not provide training for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or scuba diving rescue. The training exercises of this course presuppose that the ill or injured diver has already been brought to shore or is aboard the boat.

Skill Performance Objectives
To successfully complete the Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) for Scuba Diving course, participants must demonstrate skill and confidence in:

* Providing Basic Life Support.
* Securing and setting up the Automated External Defibrillator.
* Providing care with an Automated External Defibrillator.