Dacorum Scuba members got the chance to refresh their basic life support (BLS) and Oxygen Administration skills in two refreshers run on recent Thursday sessions. These skills, taught in diver training and Skill Development Courses, always benefit from being regularly practiced. For two sessions, we were lucky enough to have our very experienced paramedic member Louise take us through these refreshers.
The first session on 26 June coincided with a busy day on the field and at the cricket club as well as some very warm weather, so we gathered outside on the cooler patio around several resuscitation mannequins. Louise reminded us all of the BLS process, with a focus on the specifics relevant to diving casualties. Her current experience and knowledge of the most up-to-date guidelines was especially interesting for those who had first picked up skills some time ago, or from different diving agencies.
However nothing is better than practice, so everyone had the chance to practice on a resuscitation mannequin – playing the part of a diving casualty in a variety of scenarios – alongside using a training AED as part of the process. It was excellent practice and a good reminder of the BLS skills divers learn and need to keep current.
The second session on 10 July focused on oxygen first aid. Oxygen administration is critical in almost all diving incidents, and it was good to see again that many members turned up to this session. Louise again walked everyone through the club equipment – slightly different to her usual kit but effectively working the same way. Everyone got the chance to fit together the oxygen equipment and appreciate how it might work in reality, either on the giving or receiving end. For those not already trained on or familiar with the kit, it was equally useful for them to see what we carry on dive trips and how they might be used when needed.
These were two exceptionally useful and informative sessions, much appreciated by all our members. Massive thanks to Louise for delivering the sessions and helping to ensure our members got a real, practical chance to run through BLS and Oxygen Administration and refresh their skills.
