Oxygen: key first aid for an injured diver
For an injured diver to recover faster, it is very important to give 100% oxygen early and correctly. On the Emergency Oxygen Provider course you learn to recognise the diving injuries and illnesses that need oxygen, to prepare the oxygen equipment and to give oxygen safely until medical help arrives. The course combines theory with practical sessions using oxygen equipment.
The course is for divers, dive professionals, boat crews, lifeguards and everyone who spends time near water. There are no dives, so non-divers can take it too. When you finish you receive a PADI Emergency Oxygen Provider or First Response Oxygen Administration (SDI/TDI) certificate.
Course programme
Introduction to emergency oxygen
Why oxygen helps an injured diver, which diving injuries and illnesses need it, and how to monitor the casualty.
Oxygen equipment
You learn to assemble and check an oxygen kit, set the flow, connect masks and handle an oxygen cylinder safely.
Assessing and helping the casualty
You assess the scene and the casualty, call for help, and give oxygen through a mask to a breathing person, or together with CPR to a person who is not breathing.
Practical scenarios and assessment
You apply your skills in realistic scenarios, from finding the casualty to giving oxygen. At the end of the course you show how you prepare the equipment, assess the casualty and give oxygen, and take an exam.
What comes next
Giving oxygen is an important part of the Rescue Diver and Divemaster courses, and SDI requires a current oxygen provider certificate for both.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be a diver?
No. There are no dives, so the course is also for non-divers: freedivers, boat crews, lifeguards and everyone who spends time near water.
How long does the course take?
Less than a day. You can study the theory in advance; a few hours are enough for the practice with the equipment.
How long is the certificate valid?
The First Response Oxygen Administration (SDI/TDI) certificate is valid for 2 years; after that you repeat the course.
Do I need this course for Rescue Diver?
The SDI Rescue Diver and Divemaster courses require a current oxygen provider certificate. The PADI Rescue Diver course also teaches oxygen use; this course covers it in more depth.