Any recent rescue divers here?

[Imagesetter]

tjmills,
Thanks for the thorough response. I thought I once read you needed 20 logged dives for rescue, but according to padi.com all you need is AOW and the first responder course or a similar accredited CPR program.

I am pretty sure that PADI requires 20 logged dives before you can complete the course. Not, start the course.

 

[BrianV]

I am pretty sure that PADI requires 20 logged dives before you can complete the course. Not, start the course.

Does that count OW checkouts and AOW classes; I easily have 20 counting those.

 

[DandyDon]

Does that count OW checkouts and AOW classes; I easily have 20 counting those.

Yep - those count.

 

[rockjock3]

Does that count OW checkouts and AOW classes; I easily have 20 counting those.

Your OW checkout dives (in open water) and your AOW are all counted dives.

 

[mrjimboalaska]

Do the rescue course, it will only improve your knowledge of diving and awareness of the divers around you.....

 

[Starboard Tack]

I recently signed onto this site and I really like it. I have seen a few discussions on the topic of liability in event of a rescue. 'Duty to Act' only applies if you are recieving compensation (e.g. paycheck or charter fees as a rescue diver/specialist. Even then, the rescuer is not required to put their life in unreasonable danger. That would only serve to make 2 rescuees when rescuers with more training and equipment arrive, thereby forcing the resources to be divided and less effective.

When giving aid, give the best care you can within your scope of training. DO NOT ATTEMPT anything you haven't been trained on. The Good Samaritan Law varies from state to state, but effectively eliminates any threat of a successful lawsuit SO LONG AS YOU ARE NOT RECIEVING COMPENSATION! Check for your local Good Sam Law to be sure, but in CA it states that the rescuer cannot be held liable for any act or omission in the performance of emergency aid given in good faith and not for compensation.

Hope this helps. Incidentally, any rescue course you take will be one of the most demanding courses of your diving carreer, but also one of the most satisfying.

 

[BrianV]

Well AOW and OW is 11 dives right there.

We'll see, I'll work on convincing my dive buddy.

Thanks guys.

 

[DandyDon]

We'll see, I'll work on convincing my dive buddy..

We warned him - he'll learn the hard way, too, I guess.

 

[tjmills]

You can lead a horse to water........

 

[gangrel441]

Awesome advice guys.

My LDS offers the two classes separate, but would it be $97 for the EFR class, can I do it at the red cross for cheaper, or should I stick with their program?

I have asked the same question here myself, and the overwhelming answer seemed to have been that CPR is CPR. Take the course you want to take. I would also recommend the Red Cross First Aid course as well. It is not too expensive, and gives you that much more preparedness for emergencies.

Oh, and again....stay current on your CPR/First Aid certs!