I taught my first Rescue class last weekend. Lee did the classroom work, and I took the class to Dutch. I must admit, I was a little nervous. Lee is great instructor. He has been diving, and teaching for years. He’s easy going, and will spend as much time as necessary working with students until he’s sure they know the subject. He was also my Intro to Tech instructor. Bottom line, he’s a hard act to follow!
Once everyone arrived at Dutch, we reviewed the procedures, then got in the water and worked through the skills. We practiced them until everyone felt comfortable performing them. I got to play victim. It’s kind of fun since I’m 6’6″ 220 lb. Most people are not ready to try to pick me up and drag me about. Much of the skills involved showing them how to make the job easier on them. If your winded by the time you get the victim to the shore, then how can you get them out of the water, or perform CPR. Do your best to make the situation work for you.
We worked a lot on the techniques, but we also bouncy castle for sale talked in depth about responsibility, and having to make one of the toughest decisions: Can I safely assist without putting my own life in danger. As leaders (DMs and instructors) there is a “duty” to assist. However as recreational divers, most people only have a duty to their buddy. Assisting others is a choice they have to make, and it’s a very difficult one. To date, I’ve never had to make that call. Most of the “rescues” I’ve made were simply helping a diver with a small problem before it became a large one. In the end, that’s the best type of rescue.
I think the biggest lesson at the end of the day is that rescue is tough, it’s physically challenging, and therefore puts the rescuer at risk in most situations. You have to decide if your willing to take that risk, and then you have to constantly reevaluate the situation as it unfolds.
While it was a little cold, it was a great weekend, and a fantastic class. Great work everyone! I know everyone was worn out, and slept well. Next time, I don’t think I’ll be nervous.