On-Site Neurological Assessment for Divers
On-Site Neurological Assessment for Divers is an advanced course for DAN oxygen providers. Attending the On-Site Neurological Assessment training will allow you to conduct a neurological assessment of a diver you suspect of having decompression illness symptoms. If neurological dysfunction is found, you will be able to convince the injured diver to accept oxygen assistance or call medical services.
Who is the On-Site Neurological Assessment training aimed at
The On-Site Neurological Assessment for Divers course is aimed at all divers, oxygen providers and dive base operators. A properly conducted examination will be very valuable information for the physician who will be treating the person injured in a diving accident.
Why be a DAN rescuer
Nervous system damage affects up to two-thirds of divers who develop decompression illness syndrome. The neurological assessment of an injured diver gives you a tool to quickly assess whether a diving injury has neurological consequences. The history you take will be given to the physician who will further treat the injured individual. The training will allow you to observe the change in condition of the injured person over time. Thus, you will be able to make a significant difference in how his/her recovery continues. Your evaluation may contribute to a more accurate course of treatment and thus a much shorter recovery process after a diving accident.
Prerequisites
To take the training you must have broad knowledge of first aid in life-threatening situations. It is essential to have a valid first aid qualification such as DAN Basic Life Support (BLS) or other equivalent, e.g. EFR. Neurological assessment also involves knowledge of issues related to decompression illness symptoms, diagnosis and procedures. Therefore, you must be an active DAN Oxygen Provider or a DAN Advanced Oxygen Provider.
If you meet the core requirements, the training can be completed as a separate module. It can also be part of a training package and combined with e.g. the DAN Oxygen Provider course as comprehensive training.