The DAN Diving First Aid for Professional Divers course is designed with aquariums, commercial diving companies and scientific diving operations in mind where the provider may be exposed to both the general public and diving specialists as part of their job. It is also an excellent risk management course for the recreational dive community due to its comprehensive first aid coverage.

This program includes Emergency Oxygen for Scuba Diving Injuries, Neurological Assessment, First Aid for Hazardous Marine Life Injuries as well Basic Life Support: CPR and First Aid. It is based on guidelines provided by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for workplace CPR and first aid.

Retraining in this program is required every two years following successful completion of the course — although some local protocols and regulations require more frequent retraining.

Recommended Minimum Hours of Training
Knowledge and skill development= 2 days

The time needed to teach the course varies depending on several factors including the number of students and their ability to process the educational components of the program.

Knowledge Development
Topics covered in the DFA Pro course include:
scene safety assessment
blood borne pathogens
CPR (either single rescuer adult only or two rescuer CPR for adults, children and infants)
use of an AED
oxygen first aid
neurological assessment
first aid for hazardous marine life injuries

Skills Development
At the end of this program, you will be able to:
Assess scene safety.
Conduct initial and secondary assessment.
Provide CPR (single adult rescuer).**
Use an AED.
Provide care for shock.
Control external bleeding.
Manage an obstructed airway.
Conduct a secondary assessment.
Bandage and splint injuries.
Place a pressure immobilization bandage.
Address a severe allergic reaction.
Provide emergency oxygen administration.
Conduct a neurological assessment.
Develop an emergency assistance plan.

** DFAPro can also be run with a full health care provider component including two person rescuer CPR for adult, children and infant. Ask your instructor for more details.