Learn how to conduct a layman’s neurological assessment on a  potentially injured diver. The information gained in this assessment  can help convince a diver of the need for oxygen first aid and help a  dive physician determine the proper treatment.

Approximately two-thirds of divers with decompression illness experience damage to their nervous system. These signs are often vague and can go unrecognized by the diver, causing the symptoms to be dismissed as insignificant or not dive related and delaying treatment.

Additionally, stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability. Recognizing signs and symptoms of a possible stroke and activating EMS can minimize lasting effects.

The Neurological Assessment course focuses on how to obtain essential information about an individual involved in a dive emergency or suspected of having a stroke and what information to relay to emergency medical services.

The DAN Neurological Assessment course is designed to:
Describe the warning signs of stroke or decompression illness.
Identify when it is appropriate to conduct an neurological assessment.
Conduct a neurological assessment.

Only medical professionals should diagnose medical conditions. The information you gather while performing a neurological assessment can be useful to the emergency physician in understanding the extent of the injury and how it has changed during the time it took to transport the patient to definitive care.

Recommended Minimum Hours of Training
Knowledge development: 1 hour
Skills development: 3 hours

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 Neurological Assessment include:
nervous system overview
stroke
decompression illness
conducting a neurological assessment

Course participants must complete the DAN Neurological Assessment examination with a minimum passing score of 80 percent. The instructor will review the examination with each participant to ensure 100 percent understanding of the material.

Skills Development
At the end of this program, you will be able to:
Use a F-A-S-T assessment.
Take a history.
Take vital signs.
Assess cranial nerves.
Assess motor function.
Assess mental function.
Assess coordination and balance.

Recertification is required every 24 months.