DAN - First Aid for Hazardous Marine Life Injuries

The objectives of this course are to train and educate the general diving public and interested non-divers in the first aid techniques for a suspected hazardous marine life injury. In addition, this course will introduce divers to the identification of potentially hazardous marine life and how to avoid hazardous marine life injuries. This program also provides an excellent opportunity for experienced divers and instructors to continue their education.

Learning Objectives

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 identify potential hazardous marine life; to provide first aid for a hazardous marine animal injury; and to prevent injuries caused by hazardous marine life. 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.

At the end of this program, participants will be able to:

• Identify the four types of hazardous marine life injuries.

• List five common warning signs of an envenomation.

• Name at least three aquatic animals that may bite a diver.

• Describe the appropriate first aid procedure for managing a bite from a marine animal.

• List at least four common warning signs of irritations.

• Identify two common types of seafood poisonings.

• List three common warning signs of seafood poisoning.

• Describe the appropriate first aid procedures for managing suspected seafood poisoning.

• List the steps in performing a scene safety assessment.

• Demonstrate a caring attitude towards a diver who becomes ill or injured.

• Describe the importance of the use of supplemental oxygen as a first aid measure for injured divers.

• Locate and demonstrate the use of pressure points to control external bleeding.

• Demonstrate an ongoing assessment and manage shock.

• List the components of an Emergency Assistance Plan.

• Describe at least five techniques or guidelines that minimize the risk of injury from marine animals.

• Name at least five venomous marine animals.

• Describe the appropriate first aid procedure for managing a venomous marine animal injury.

• List two common warning signs of marine animal bite.

• Name at least three marine animals that may cause irritations to the diver.

• Describe the appropriate first aid procedure for managing brushes with aquatic life.

• Name at least three types of fish that can cause seafood poisoning.

• State the reason why evaluation by a medical professional is necessary when seafood poisoning is suspected.

• Perform a scene safety assessment.

• Assess the Airway, Breathing and Circulation (ABCs) of an injured diver.

• Establish and maintain the Airway and Breathing (perform Rescue Breathing) for an injured diver.

• Demonstrate the techniques for controlling bleeding including direct pressure, elevation and the use of pressure dressings and pressure points.

• Apply dressings and bandages to manage wounds caused by hazardous marine life.

• Demonstrate the pressure immobilisation technique.