How do I get O2 certified?

[derwoodwithasherwood]

I don't believe that is correct. We lived in/taught O2 Admin in Canada for many years. Remember, this is NOT in a medical setting. There are many dive charters in the Province that have a DAN O2 kit on board for emergencies that had nothing to do with an MD.

AFAIK you can still get non-medical grade O2 (e.g.: aviator grade) without a prescription.

DSDO,

Go to this link: http://www.cpso.on.ca/Policies/delegation.htm

Skip down two paragraphs to "Controlled Acts". Look at #5. How is oxygen administered?

Now, there is a "Good Samaritan" clause that would probably protect someone who, acting in good faith, grabs the O2 kit he finds on the dive boat and administers oxygen to a bent diver in an emergency.

But I suggest no one admit publicly that they "certified" others in oxygen therapy in the Province of Ontario (other Canadian Provinces may have different laws) unless they are a physician licensed under the College of Physicians and Surgeons, or are operating under the direction of such a doctor. Purporting to "certify" others in such a manner (especially for a fee) could easily be construed as delegating a medical act and as such, be considered practicing medicine without a license. I suggest that any dive shop operators offering such instruction consult with a lawyer or ensure their agency already has dotted all the i's and crossed all the t's, first. AFAIK, Ontario won't recognize a medical license from any other jurisdiction.

Don't get me wrong -- there are possible complications of O2 therapy unique to SCUBA that the average MD wouldn't think of or recognize. Specialized training for O2 therapy in a SCUBA environment is probably a very good idea. Just make sure you CYA.

I don't even want to think about the possible pitfalls of administering anything other than medical grade O2.