About this course
This First Aid at Work (FAAW) course is developed in accordance with DMAC 11 (Provision of First Aid and the Training of Divers, Supervisors and Members of Dive Teams in First Aid). It is intended for members of dive teams, including divers, supervisors, life support technicians, and support personnel who may be required to provide immediate first aid response during offshore diving operations.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
By the end of this course, participants will:
- Understand the principles and responsibilities of first aid in a diving offshore setting.
- Demonstrate competence in managing casualties resulting from injuries, decompression-related illnesses, and other medical emergencies common in diving operations.
- Safely administer oxygen and use first aid equipment available at the dive site.
- Support emergency medical services with effective on-site response until advanced care is available.
COURSE OUTLINE
The course addresses both general workplace first aid requirements and diving-specific emergency scenarios, ensuring personnel are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to respond effectively to accidents, injuries, or illnesses in high-risk and remote environments.
Introduction to First Aid (DMAC 11)
Principles of First Aid
- Emergency Management and the Chain of Survival
- Emergency Care Cycle in Offshore, Remote Contexts
- Overview of Diving-related injuries
Scene Management and Initial Response
- Scene Assessment and Safety
- Exposure Protection (thermal, chemical, environmental)
- Risk Identification and Hazard Control
Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Primary Survey and Recovery Position
- Adult CPR and Ventilation Techniques
- Use of AED
- Management of Adult Choking
Trauma and Medical Emergencies
- Severe Bleeding and Shock Management
- Chest Injuries and Pneumothorax Awareness
- Fractures, Dislocations, Sprains
- Burns, Scalds, and Electrical Injuries
- Hypothermia and Hyperthermia
- Medical Conditions: Stroke, Seizures, Allergies, Diabetic Emergencies
- Near Drowning and Hypoxia
Patient Assessment and Reporting
- Secondary Survey and History Taking
- Recording Vital Signs (Pulse, BP, Respiratory Rate, Temperature)
- Patient Report Form (PRF) Documentation
- Communication with Remote Medical Support
Oxygen Administration
- Indications and Benefits
- Hazards of Pure Oxygen
- Safe Use of Oxygen Administration Kits (breathing and non-breathing casualties)
- Assembly and Disassembly of Equipment
Equipment Familiarisation
- First Aid Kit Use and Maintenance
- Personal Hygiene and Infection Control
- Emergency Response Tools at the Dive Site
Who should attend?
This course is recommended for:
- Divers (Surface Supplied, Mixed Gas)
- Diving Supervisors and Life Support Supervisors
- Dive Technicians and Surface Support Personnel
- Any personnel expected to act as immediate responders during diving emergencies
In line with DMAC 11, all divers should be trained in basic first aid and oxygen administration. Supervisors should be familiar with site-specific medical protocols, and diver medics should be present where chamber support is required.
Learning Style
This course is designed to provide a hands-on, immersive learning experience through a combination of theoretical instruction and practical application, tailored for members of dive teams operating in offshore and high-risk environments.
Blended Learning (E-Learning + 1-Day Practical Workshop)
- This flexible option is designed for participants who prefer to complete theoretical content remotely, followed by in-person skill application:
- Self-paced e-learning through our interactive platform (accessible for 30 days)
- Online modules cover first aid theory, diving-specific medical conditions, and emergency response protocols
- 1-day practical face-to-face session to demonstrate, practise, and be assessed on all critical skills including CPR, oxygen administration, and patient assessment
- Instructor feedback and scenario drills ensure learners can apply their knowledge effectively in dive team environments.
This learning format is structured to meet the competency requirements outlined in DMAC 11, ensuring that all participants are trained to deliver immediate and effective first aid support in diving operations and remote locations.
Entry Requirement
There are no formal prerequisites for this course. However, it is designed for individuals who are:
- Part of a dive team, or
- Assigned first aid responsibilities in offshore/maritime/dive-related projects
All participants should be medically fit to perform first aid duties in physically demanding environments.
Assessment and Certification
Participants will be assessed through a combination of practical skill demonstrations and a written or oral evaluation to verify their understanding of essential first aid principles and procedures. Successful candidates who meet the required competency standards will be awarded a First Aid at Work Certificate, valid for three years, issued by KBA Training Centre Pte Ltd, in accordance with the training guidelines outlined in DMAC 11.
