The Emergency First ResponseŽ offered by PADI is a basic training course which covers cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency care in a cohesive manner. It is a medically based course designed to provide the patient with a continuity of care as that patient is passed from the first person on the scene (using techniques of Emergency First Response) to the paramedics and finally on to the physicians in the emergency room . The skills of Patient Care necessary to support the life of an ill or injured person are covered in seven modules in which practical application and hands-on practice are emphasised. Students learn these skills in the same sequence as used in caring for a patient.
EMERGENCY FIRST RESPONSE covers Primary Care (CPR inclusive), Secondary Care and Treatments following national consensus guidelines (Emergency Cardiac Care Subcommittee, American Heart Association, Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiac Care, JAMA, 1992:268 and Emergency Care and Transportation of the Sick and Injures Fifth Edition American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons).
EMERGENCY FIRST RESPONSE is designed for use by the lay person, the non designated, non duties voluntary 'Good Samaritan'. This course is for those students seeking CPR/first aid training to meet a diving course requirement, for personal enhancement, or as part of a community service activity. This course is not designed for the person who seeks CPR/first aid training to meed workplace requirements. There are no other prerequisites.
The EMERGENCY FIRST RESPONSE course is systems-dependent. To meet the standards, the instructor is required to use the EMERGENCY FIRST RESPONSE video, Instructor Guide and a manikin per class of eight to train students. Also, each students is required to use the following reference guides during training.
Gloves and other barrier devices are required to be used by each student during all skill practice sessions which might involve exposure to blood or body fluids in actual emergencies. The instructor will assure an adequate supply of barriers.
The student may be introduced to pocket masks, eye shields or other barriers, as appropriate.
To maintain skills, retraining is necessary within 24 months after completion of the EMERGENCY FIRST RESPONSE course. The EMERGENCY FIRST RESPONSE Retraining course is a good refresher, it consists of 3 to 4 hours of training. Practice of essential skills emphasized. Beyond 24 months a repeat of the EMERGENCY FIRST RESPONSE course is required to retrain.
