Diver First Aid Requirements
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First Aid Requirements
To meet AS/NZS 2299.1 and ADAS requirements, anyone wanting to do an ADAS course, or those who already hold an ADAS certification, are required to have, and maintain, particular First Aid certifications.
As a minimum applicants must have:
- Current First Aid qualification (3 yearly recertification)
- Current CPR qualification (12 monthly recertification or demonstration)
- Current Oxygen Administration qualification (12 monthly recertification or demonstration)
ADAS has developed a First Aid Certifications table which shows the certificates currently accepted by ADAS for both initial training and renewal applications. These are Australian based First Aid related certifications which can be gained by undertaking training with most Australian First Aid providers
Divers and Supervisors
If you are an existing diver or supervisor, or you want to undertake ADAS training, your First Aid certifications must be current as indicated in AS/NZS 2299.1:2007:
“All divers and attendants shall be trained in first aid so that, as a minimum, they are able to:
(a) control bleeding;
(b) administer 100% oxygen;
(c) care for an unconscious patient; and
(d) carry out cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
The above requirements are met by most general first aid courses leading to certification, incorporating or supplemented by an oxygen administration course.
A dive supervisor shall be trained in first aid to the standard required for a diver. In addition, a dive supervisor shall be trained in the recognition and first aid management of diving related medical problems, and communicating findings to medical support.
Competency in first aid shall be maintained through regular practice and re-certification every 3 years. CPR and oxygen resuscitation skills should be demonstrated to a first aid instructor on at least an annual basis.”
Your First Aid qualification must be recertified every 3 years, while your CPR and Oxygen Management qualifications must be demonstrated every 12 months, or a refresher course undertaken every 12 months.
Demonstrating First Aid Competency
If you hold a current First Aid certification which was issued more than 12 months ago, you will need to either recertify or demonstrate your CPR and Oxygen Management skills and knowledge. If you are unable to do this though a formal refresher course, you may be eligible to undertake the ADAS developed First Aid Proficiency assessment in order to show competence. The assessment can be completed with a first aid provider; medical doctor; nurse practitioner; or a rig medic, who then writes a Letter of Confirmation verifying your knowledge and ability.
The First Aid Proficiency assessment is only able to be used in the interim time between your formal First Aid refresher courses, you are required to undertake formal training for First Aid, CPR and Oxygen Management every three (3) years.
Contact ADAS for more information about the First Aid Proficiency assessment.
Diver Medical Technician Certifications
If you have a current Diver Medical Technician (DMT) certification, it can also be used to demonstrate First Aid competence. You must also hold current CPR and Oxygen Management/Administration certifications which have been refreshed or demonstrated to a first aid instructor within the last 12 months.
Finding a First Aid course
First Aid, CPR and Oxygen Management certifications are all nationally recognised, and can be done through many First Aid training providers Australia wide. Each certification type has a unique nationally recognised code number which will help you to decide if particular First Aid courses are suitable for your needs.
The ADAS First Aid Certifications table provides a summary of the recommended First Aid courses and other names they may be known by.
Because the number of First Aid providers who run these courses is extensive, it is best if you find First Aid provider details by doing an internet search.
International First Aid Certifications
There are First Aid certifications available in every country which may be equivalent to what is required in Australia. These certifications can be used if you are applying to crossover your existing international commercial diver certification, and can also be used if you intend to train at an ADAS Accredited Training Establishment (ATE). You will need to ensure your international First Aid certifications meet the requirements of the AS/NZS 2299.1 Standard as shown at the top of this page.
Please be aware that if your international First Aid certifications do not meet the AS/NZS 2299.1 Standard, you will be asked to undertake further First Aid training with an approved Australian provider.
> Please contact ADAS if you need more information about First Aid certifications.
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