CFT has introduced a new course.  The Diver First Responder course replaces the Diver Emergency Responder with immediate effect.  The CPR/AED element of the course is recognised by PHECC and successful candidates will receive a PHECC qualification and the DFR qualification.  This message sets out to clarify some of the issues that have arisen regarding the roll-out of the course.

The DFR course is a significant development for CFT. DFR certified divers are now qualified to use an AED and administer aspirin in case of emergency. The course itself covers other areas relevant to diving and non-diving accidents.

The TC appreciates that there are logistical challenges in incorporating a new course/certificate into an established structure.  Please be assured, that no diver seeking to advance will be prevented from doing so during this transition.  It may require a little flexibility on all sides.  The working group is preparing the next stage of the roll out of the course for early next year.

The updated Courses & Tests Book contains the course details

The following are some questions that divers may have about the new Diver First Responder (DFR) course/certificate.

1. What is PHECC?
PHECC is the Pre Hospital Emergency Care Council.  It is the regulator of EMS in Ireland. PHECC – the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council, is a statutory body responsible for the education and training standards in the area of pre-hospital emergency care.  See www.phecc.ie for more information on PHECC and its activities.

2. For what courses is the DFR a prerequisite?

Rescue Diver
Leading Diver
Moniteur*
Moniteur**
Moniteur***

Any diver presenting as a candidate at an examination/seeking a certificate for any of the above grades must hold a DFR Certificate.

3. Will BLS and AED still be tested at e.g. Rescue Diver & Leading Diver level?

Yes.  CFT has always required examination candidates to demonstrate his/her BLS skills.  While few would expect to have to use their CPR skills for real, it is most beneficial to practise at every available opportunity.
At least one DFR Instructor will therefore always attend such an examination.

4. Will a DFR Instructor be required to run the Rescue Course?
No.

5. What if I hold a similar qualification from a third party course provider?

As with diving qualifications, CFT welcomes and encourages those members with existing skills to align their qualifications with those of CFT. This is known as RPL: Recognition of Prior Learning.  Applicants will be invited to submit details of their relevant qualifications.  Potential applicants can establish this themselves from the link below:

http://www.phecit.ie/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=0&tabid=1359

Any applicant may request a DFR RPL application form from the National Diving Officer directly at ndo@cft.ie.  The form will also be available from the download section early in the New Year.

6. How much does the course cost?

The course will cost €60.  For the holder of a current DER certificate, the cost of the course will be €30.  A valid DER certificate is one that has been issued within 2 years of the date of attendance at the DFR course.

7. Does any particular group of candidates have priority for a DFR course?

Yes.  Moniteur* candidates will be accommodated first as they will be presenting for examination in April of this year.

8. When will the new courses take place?

The course content is currently being finalised.  The first courses will be run late in January 2010 at a number of centres around the country.  A considerable number of courses will be run in the early part of the year to facilitate all those who wish to do it.  I will be in contact with the RDOs who will coordinate the courses in their regions.