Rescue Diver

[Lamnid]

Of course I have searched for this topic but it yields more answers than I care to mention so I thought I'd just post my own thread. I just wondered...what exactly does the rescue course entail? I've read the specs on a PADI website but I'm still a little confused. Do you need to be a strong un' to do this course? Cos if it entails trying to hump an "unconscious" person back onto the boat - I'm screwed! Just a little info would be great. Thanks a lot.

[Dash_Riprock]

Good overall fitness and strength go a long way in this course. You'll have to do a several long buddy tows while doing rescue breathing and such. You'll learn techniques to pull divers from the water that will help overcome some strength issues. It can be a fun course especially if you like a bit of a challenge.

Al

[Xman]

Generally the course should be aimed at helping you find ways that work for you (your strength, size, body weight etc).
Don't be put off. You may struggle on some exercises during the course, but it is geared around teaching rescue skills rather than assessing strength.

[BarryNL]

Of course I have searched for this topic but it yields more answers than I care to mention so I thought I'd just post my own thread. I just wondered...what exactly does the rescue course entail? I've read the specs on a PADI website but I'm still a little confused. Do you need to be a strong un' to do this course? Cos if it entails trying to hump an "unconscious" person back onto the boat - I'm screwed! Just a little info would be great. Thanks a lot.

You'd be surprised what you can do with the right techniques. With the skills taught you'll find you can actually get a bigger person out of the water - even up a ladder.

[tstormdiver]

I just completed the Rescue diver course last week. I'm in fair, but not great shape. I was the only woman in a class of 8. I did fine. I had to improvise a little here & there because of my size & strength compared to the guys in the class, but also managed to get a few comments about my strength & stamina from the guys. It is a challenge as the others have stated, but it is also doable by most. At the end of the day(s) you'll know you've done some work, but it shouldn't kill you. It is by far a very rewarding class & has improved my diving skills & my confidence in those skills.

[cowjazz]

I had a female, mid forties, with average physical strength in my rescue class, and she was able to rescue her 230 pound husband without a problem.

One of the benefits of the class is you will get an idea of your limits to perform a rescue, and different rescue techniques for different situations. You will learn several techniques to get an injured or unresponsive diver out of the water, and each technique has its advantages based on the victim's size, and the rescuers physical ability.

You will do fine in the class. You will work hard in your open water sessions, but it is worth it.

My only regret about taking the rescue diver course was waiting so long to do it.

[ScubaCatgirl]

This is a very good question & has brought another question to my mind if you don't mind me jumping in here.

I have been limited by my doctor to only lift 25 pounds or less. Will I still be able to take this course?

[Maule]

This is a very good question & has brought another question to my mind if you don't mind me jumping in here.

I have been limited by my doctor to only lift 25 pounds or less. Will I still be able to take this course?

Without knowing what your ailment is I would have to say, No. You aren't exactly deadlifting weights but you are moving weigh around. There is alot of physical activity during this course.
Another question that comes to mind, are you able to equip your gear and operate with the 25 lb restriction?

[diverdown247]

When I took the course in Cuba, the unfamiliarity of how to properly haul a person out of the water (pool, open water, boat, or ladder) was what created the biggest road-block. Once I understood how it was done, it was just a matter of practice. I managed to haul a 250 pound man up a 5 foot ladder out of the surf w/ little effort and minimal problems.

[Scububbs]

I would say that limitation might prohibit taking the course. your equipment alone will come close to that 25 pound limit, and in my Rescue Class I did a number of shore rescue scenerios where I had to grab my bc and don it on the run. Then there are a couple of resuce techniques that require one to essentially carry a victim out of the water and onto shore.
If your doctor placed that limitation on you it was for good reason, and you might want to wait until you're past the medical issue so you can give full effort to the Rescue Class without worrying about physical limitations.