Learning how to administer oxygen can be a crucial life-saving technique, especially for those with decompression illnesses (DCI) or other related emergencies. Scuba Adventures offers an oxygen administration course that covers the proper equipment and procedures.
Who is this course for:
- Scuba divers
- Dive professionals and boat staff
- Emergency responders
- Other personnel eager to train in case of DCI emergencies
Course prerequisites:
- Minimum age 18, 10 with parental consent
What you can expect to learn:
The Oxygen Administration program is designed to train layperson rescuers for:
- Identification of DCI
- Administration of emergency oxygen
What's in it for you:
- Recognize and evaluate an emergency and a victim
- Administer oxygen to a breathing or non-breathing person
- Activate or alert emergency medical services (EMS)
- Complete OSHA and ILCOR training
What Is Decompression Illness (DCI)?
Decompression illness (DCI) is one of the most common and severe conditions associated with scuba diving. When a diver ascends to the surface too quickly, nitrogen dissolves into the bloodstream and tissues at depth to form bubbles. These bubbles can interfere with blood flow, damage tissues, and have neurological or cardiovascular consequences.
Symptoms of DCI:
- Joint pain, often referred to as "the bends"
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Fatigue and weakness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Difficulties in breathing
- Skin rash or itching
- Numbness or tingling sensations
- Disorientation or memory loss
These symptoms can vary in severity and may develop soon after reaching the surface or several hours later. Prompt recognition and treatment are crucial to mitigate potential damage. This is where oxygen administration becomes indispensable. Divers who receive oxygen immediately tend to have faster and more complete recoveries than those who don’t. It can buy time and stabilize the diver until professional medical care is available.
Whether you’re on a boat miles from shore, managing a recreational diver’s return from depth, or assisting a buddy in distress, knowing how to administer oxygen could make the difference between life and death.
Oxygen Administration Course Overview
To receive your certification, you must pass your academic training and then proceed to the second phase, where you will work with an instructor in a classroom setting. This comprehensive program is primarily for anyone needing to administer oxygen during emergencies.
- Oxygen Safety and Equipment Handling
Here’s a closer look:
Required Equipment
- Oxygen (O2) cylinder with regulator and appropriate delivery devices
- Barriers and personal protection equipment
When and How to Administer Oxygen:
Learn specific scenarios where you need to provide oxygen to victims of diving-related emergencies
Oxygen for non-breathing victims: Master how to administer oxygen effectively while performing CPR.
Oxygen for breathing victims: Get hands-on experience using different devices:
- Non-rebreather mask: Allows victims to breathe oxygen while expelling carbon dioxide
- Demand valve mask: Supplies oxygen only when the victim inhales, conserving oxygen for prolonged use
Oxygen Safety and Equipment Handling
Oxygen Administration Laws and Regulations:
Understand the legal aspects of oxygen administration to ensure compliance with OSHA and ILCOR standards
Advantages of Taking an Oxygen Administration Program:
- Trained to prioritize safety and preparedness.
- It’s a stepping stone to becoming a professional diver.
- Being oxygen administration-certified ensures you're ready to respond to diving-related emergencies.
- Proper training prepares you to stay calm and take the right steps without hesitation.
- The course complies with OSHA and ILCOR guidelines for emergency medical response, providing credible, industry-recognized certification.
- You actively create a safer environment for all divers. Emergencies might be rare, but one well-executed rescue can make a lasting impact.
Sign Up for Our Oxygen Administration Course!
Are you prepared for an emergency? Sign up to equip yourself with the knowledge and skills of how to administer oxygen!
