More than 10 percent of all dive fatalities are actually caused by  cardiovascular disease, according to DAN dive accident and  fatality statistics. This course teaches divers and other interested  parties to provide care for sudden cardiac arrest, including the use of an automated external defibrillator (AEDs).

The DAN Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) for Scuba Diving Injuries course represents entry-level training designed to educate the general diving (and qualified nondiving) public to better recognize the warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest and administer first aid using basic life support techniques and automated external defibrillators while activating the local emergency medical services (EMS) and/or arranging for evacuation to the nearest appropriate medical facility.

Recommended Minimum Hours of Training
Knowledge development (lecture) = 1 hour
Skills development (practice) = 2-3 hours

It is recommended that this course be taught as a four-hour module. The time the course actually takes to teach varies depending upon many factors, including the number of students and their ability to process the educational components of the program. Instructors desiring to include subjects or training beyond the course requirements may do so only before or following the course. Any additional training must not be required for completion of course requirements.

Learning Objectives
At the end of this program, participants will be able to:

• Recognize the warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest
• Provide basic life support while setting up the automated external defibrillator
• Provide basic life support with an AED
• Care for and maintain an AED

The nature and scope of this course is limited to training divers and interested nondivers such as boat captains, water enthusiasts and nondiving family members to provide emergency cardiac care with an automated external defibrillator. This course does not provide training for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or scuba diving rescue. The training exercises of this course presuppose that the ill or injured diver has already been brought to shore or is aboard the boat.

Participants will complete the written course assessment. Each student must pass the examination with a score of at least 80 percent, but the instructor should review the written assessment with all participants to ensure 100 percent understanding of the material.

Skill Performance Objectives
To successfully complete the Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) for Scuba Diving Injuries course, participants must demonstrate skill and confidence in:

• Providing basic life support
• Securing and setting up the automated external defibrillator
• Providing care with an automated external defibrillator