Oxygen Administration Training

On Sunday 10th October we ran an Oxygen Administration Training course at the K&E club house, some taking this as a skill development course (SDC) and others to complete parts of their Dive Leader training. It also served as a good refresher of Basic Life Support and the incident procedures when dealing with a diver casualty for those who had last practiced these skills some time ago.

We started the day with Basic Life Support (BLS) theory, followed by Emma giving a thorough demonstration and walk-through of the procedures. Everyone then got hands-on practice using the resusci annie’s to experience for themselves the challenge of giving rescue breaths and chest compressions on your own, trying both a face shield and pocket mask when giving breaths.

We also ran through two variations of putting a casualty into the recovery position, the classic “How” and also a more stable position which may be employed on a moving boat or in a more confined area (like on the club RIB).

A reminder on the use of oxygen in diving incidents was followed by more practical work on Casualty Assessment in small groups, to determine the nature of the incident and what action was needed, whilst someone monitored and assessed the casualty, making notes on changes to their condition.

We then got hands-on with the oxygen administration equipment, everyone setting it up and selecting a demand valve to supply oxygen to a conscious casualty or constant flow supply for an unconscious one, before putting this into practice again using the resusci annie’s to give chest compressions. Working in pairs was easier than as a lone rescuer giving BLS, but still highlighted the need for co-ordinating breaths and compressions, and when switching these roles. It also showed how the exertion of giving chest compressions over even a relatively short time period can soon become tiring.

The day concluded with an assessment for all the students, requiring them to demonstrate both theory and practical skills learnt during the course. I am pleased to report that Amanda, Debbie, Hywel, Louisa, Nathan, Ross and Zoe all passed.

Thanks to Nick for arranging, and Elaine for leading the course, plus those who instructed and helped out on the day: Emma, James, Jonathan, Nick, Paul and Peter.

Congratulations also to James, seen below taking one of the theory lessons as a newly-qualified Open Water Instructor!

[Ed. If you are interested in taking your diving skills to the next level or you would like to brush up on them, then please get in touch and we can help get you there. Contact Us]