Should I take the Rescue class?

[Jim Lapenta]

A good rescue course is also as much about PREVENTING accidents as it is responding to them. I spend a lot of time on this when I teach the class. Both in the pool/classroom and on the open water portion.

I have one scheduled for September. Right now I have 5 students. Two from my area around Pittsburgh, two from Cincinnati, and one from Kentucky.

I also have two students re-doing their rescue course skills (already rescue certified) and doubling as victims/bystanders to add a little realism. There also seems to be those who show up to play roles whenever I offer this class. Those are valuable because the actual students have not met them and don't realize they are actors in the course.

 

[TONY CHANEY]

I think that if you asked everyone on this forum, "would you prefer that your dive buddy be rescue certified?" It would more than likely be an overwhelming yes. There really is no reason not to take it unless you simply cannot raise the money for the class. IMHO, every diver should be certified in basic life support (BLS).

 

[pepperbelly]

I will take the class next spring. It's only $400.00, a pool session then a weekend at the lake. The lake is the same scuba park I did my AOW dives in. Low vis and cold water- it's spring fed.
The night dives were interesting. Dark, low vis and backscatter from the dive lights. I never thought about visibility going into negative numbers.

 

[Freewillow]

I made all steps up to PADI divemaster and the TEC IANTD. The more useful course that I ever have followed was rescue.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

I think that if you asked everyone on this forum, "would you prefer that your dive buddy be rescue certified?" It would more than likely be an overwhelming yes. There really is no reason not to take it unless you simply cannot raise the money for the class. IMHO, every diver should be certified in basic life support (BLS).

This is the reason that rescue, after nitrox, is the least expensive course I offer. I never want a diver to hesitate due to money about the rescue class. I lose money on it with two actual students. 4 allows me to just about break even depending on where the OW portion is held.

I charge 175.00 for the SEI DRAM class including book and cert fee. That's two days of pool and classroom from 10-4 and two days of open water training.

I was telling an instructor the other day that I view teaching this class more or less as a public service. I still have to cover my expenses as much as possible but that's about all I do.

 

[Reef_Rat]

The rescue course can only serve you well provided of course that you have a competent and committed instructor. The material will change though as new techniques are implemented just as they do frequently for any rescue work above water (CPR, EMS, ETC..) It couldn't hurt to learn more in any situation. If you feel it's the right course for you then I recommend go for it.

 

[Freewillow]

Good move/attitude, Jim.

 

[tep]

Take the course!

I learned a fair amount about my own stress triggers and responses during the class. Even if it didn't teach a lot of rescue (but it did) it would have been worth it for helping me recognize stress in myself and others, before it becomes a rescue situation.

I can spot divers who are going to be stressed on the boat or shore before the dive, and figure out if I want to dive with them, and if I do, what kind of task loading they might add for me.

Which reminds me, I need to renew my CPR certification. I know that's required (separately) to finish the SSI stress&rescue. Is it required for rescue from other agencies, or do they just assume that's not needed, or do they teach it as part of the course?

 

[pepperbelly]

I will need to be certified in CPR and First Aid. I can do it separately or through the course. They also require training in AED and Dan O2 provider.

 

[Bob DBF]

Yes!



Bob