First Aid for Hazardous Marine Life Injuries

Although serious hazardous marine life injuries are rare, most divers experience minor discomfort from unintentional encounters with fire coral, jellyfish and other marine creatures at some point in their dive careers. Learn how to recognize and minimize these injuries.

The First Aid for Hazardous Marine Life Injuries course is designed to provide divers with knowledge regarding specific types of marine life injuries and the general first aid treatment for those injuries. This course introduces students to identification of potentially hazardous marine life as well as how to avoid injuries.

This program also provides an excellent opportunity for experienced divers and instructors to continue their education.

Recommended Minimum Hours of Training
Knowledge development:1 hour
Skills development: 3 hours

The time needed to teach the course varies depending on several factors including the number of students and their ability to process the educational components of the program.

Knowledge Development
Topics covered in the First Aid for Hazardous Marine Life Injuries course include:

vertebrate and invertebrate envenomations

traumatic injuries

life-threatening complications

seafood poisonings

avoiding marine life injuries

Course participants must complete the DAN First Aid for Hazardous Marine Life Injuries examination with a minimum passing score of 80 percent. The instructor will review the examination with each participant to ensure 100 percent understanding of the material.

Skill Development
At the end of this program, you will be able to:

Perform a scene safety and initial assessment.

Provide shock management.

Provide injury management for stinging envenomations, spiny envenomations and contact injuries.

Control external bleeding.

Place a pressure immobilization bandage.

Manage a severe allergic reaction.

Develop an emergency assistance plan.

Recertification is required every 24 months.

Get Started

Find a First Aid for Hazardous Marine Life Injuries Instructor near you.

Want to teach First Aid for Hazardous Marine Life Injuries? Find out how to become qualified.