PADI Emergency First Response

A PADI beginner program, Emergency First Response primary and secondary care course trains you for critical moments. It teaches you what you have to do between when a life-threatening emergency occurs and when emergency medical services arrive. You will learn how to perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), provide first aid for easing pain, assess various injuries and illnesses, and practise bandaging and splinting.

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Take this course if you want to:

  • Learn CPR
  • Improve your first aid skills
  • Be prepared in an emergency

You will learn how to:

  • Apply bandages and splints
  • Help someone who is choking
  • Handle a possible spinal injury
  • Respond to a variety of illnesses and injuries

Available languages

Emergency First Response program is available in the following languages:

  • English
  • Spanish
  • Swedish
  • Portuguese
  • Russian
  • Italian
  • Dutch
  • German
  • Finnish
  • French
  • Japanese
  • Chinese simplified
  • Chinese traditional

Please contact the PADI dive center for information on other available languages.

Emergency First Response Primary & Secondary Care Training

Flexible online self-study and in-person training are combined in the Emergency First Response Primary Care (CPR) and Secondary Care (First Aid) course. One can take this course at their own pace. You should practise a skill until you are absolutely confident and then move on to the next one.

Independent study

PADI eLearning- If you have a busy schedule, then online training will make it easy for you to learn CPR and first aid. You can watch videos of various first aid techniques and also learn what to do in case of an emergency. You can study online or offline using a mobile device or a computer. Talk to your PADI instructor in case of any doubts.

eLearning time commitment: 2-4 hours

At the dive shop

With your instructor- You will be taught eight essential skills for helping others in an emergency situation. Get the first-hand experience of administering CPR using a special manikin, along with practising bandaging and splinting, and applying your new skills in a role-playing scenario.

  • Prerequisites: Desire to help others
  • Total time commitment: 4-8 hours
  • Minimum age: None

Medical requirements

A minimum level of health and fitness is required for scuba diving. In case you are suffering from any chronic health condition, or taking certain medications and/or had surgery recently, you will have to get written approval from a physician before diving. In order to avoid any confusion, you can simply download and review the Diver Medical Form to make sure that you will not require approval from a physician to dive. You should not ask your instructor, dive master, or dive shop staff for medical advice as they are not physicians. Only medical professionals can give medical clearance to dive if you do not have a minimum level of health and fitness. 

Other costs & equipment

Emergency First Response course comprises independent self-study as well as in-person training. Only the self-study portion is covered when you purchase online training from the website. An additional cost is there to complete your practical training with an EFR Instructor. The charges will depend on class size, location, etc. Contact Dive Andaman for more information and pricing. It is a 5-star PADI center located in Havelock Island (now known as Swaraj Dweep officially). For hygiene reasons, you will need your own set of personal barriers such as gloves, bandages for practical simulations, a ventilation barrier, etc. for more details, contact your PADI instructor. 

Time commitment

  • Self-study: 2-4 hours
  • Entire course: 1-2 days

System requirements

The online courses of PADI work on the browsers listed below: Ensure that your browser is updated to have the best experience.

  • Chrome
  • Safari
  • Edge
  • Firefox

You can also study at a location that has no internet access. Just use the PADI Training app to download course content and study offline. You can download the content in small sections with a total file size of around 981 MB. You can upload your progress when you get back online. This will help you in resuming your training right where you left off. The app is available for Android as well as Apple iOS devices. Devices should not be more than three models old and updated with the latest Operating System (OS). 

After this course

You can also be trained regarding how to provide CPR and first aid for children and infants. Your EFR instructor can also teach you how to use Automated External Defibrillators (AED).

Scuba diving in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The unique topography of the Andaman Islands makes the diving experience hard to get anywhere else. Most of its beaches are enclosed by long stretches of reefs that are hundreds of meters wide and are separated by the shore with shallow waters. Some of them are complemented by volcanic lava hills as well! The alive and untouched corals are home to the world’s most vivacious marine dwellers and fish that may pop out from the azure ocean and display a gorgeous scene around the scuba diver. The abundance of corals and fish often enclose the diver from all directions that is enough to leave him in wonder and awe. 

There are more than 40 places to dive into this Indian union territory. Various factors that influence the perfect diving experience are as follows:

  • Safety
  • Weather
  • Water depth
  • Water current
  • Fish population
  • Clarity of water
  • Population of corals

Keeping all these things in mind while picking up a place for your dive can be a little bit tough. Isn’t it? But don’t worry, we present here the list of best places for scuba diving in the Andaman Islands:

  • Havelock Island (the most preferred one)
  • North Bay Island
  • Neil Island
  • Port Blair

About Dive Andaman

If you are in the Andaman Islands and are willing to enrol in the Emergency First Response course, then trust none other than the best–Dive Andaman. Located in Havelock Island (officially known as Swaraj Dweep now), this 5-star PADI center is a renowned dive shop that offers all kinds of diving programs designed for beginners as well as experienced, along with recreational dives as well. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q. 1 : What is PADI Emergency First Response?

    Answer: PADI Emergency First Response (EFR) is a training program that teaches fundamental life support and first aid abilities, covering aspects such as automated external defibrillator (AED) operation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and first aid for adults, children, and infants. This course is open to anyone who wishes to acquire the skills needed to manage emergencies, not only to those engaged in diving activities.

  • Q. 2 : Is it necessary to have PADI Emergency First Response certification for PADI scuba diving courses?

    Answer: Yes, having PADI Emergency First Response certification is mandatory for most PADI scuba diving courses, including all PADI Professional-level courses and the PADI Rescue Diver course.

  • Q. 3 : What is the duration of the PADI Emergency First Response course?

    Answer: The PADI Emergency First Response course usually lasts for a day. The course comprises both classroom lectures and practical training.

  • Q. 4 : Does an online version of the PADI Emergency First Response course exist?

    Answer: Yes, an online version of the PADI Emergency First Response course is available. The online course covers the same content as the classroom-based course and includes instructional videos, interactive quizzes, and other study materials.

  • Q. 5 : How frequently should you renew your PADI Emergency First Response certification?

    Answer: PADI Emergency First Response certification remains valid for two years. After that period, you need to take the course again and pass the skills assessment to renew your certification.

  • Q. 6 : Can you enroll in the PADI Emergency First Response course if you have no previous medical training?

    Answer: Yes, you are eligible to enroll in the PADI Emergency First Response course irrespective of your medical training background. The course caters to individuals interested in acquiring fundamental life support and first aid skills.

  • Q. 7 : What is the aim of the PADI Emergency First Response course?

    Answer: The PADI Emergency First Response course aims to teach individuals how to react to emergencies and provide primary life support and first aid. The course is intended to equip individuals with the confidence and expertise to handle emergency situations.

  • Q. 8 : Who is eligible to take the PADI Emergency First Response course?

    Answer: The PADI Emergency First Response course is open to all individuals, regardless of prior medical training or age. The course is intended for those who wish to acquire first aid and basic life support skills, not just for divers.

  • Q. 9 : What are the advantages of taking the PADI Emergency First Response course?

    Answer: The PADI Emergency First Response course has various advantages, such as:

    • Meeting the prerequisites for a majority of PADI scuba diving courses.
    • Develop your resume and job prospects in areas that need an emergency response and first aid skills.
    • Boosting confidence in your ability to manage emergency scenarios.
    • Learning essential life-saving skills that can be applied in emergency scenarios.
  • Q. 10 : What does the PADI Emergency First Response course include?

    Answer: The PADI Emergency First Response course encompasses both classroom and practical training in primary life support and first aid skills. The topics addressed in the course comprise first aid for fractures, spinal injuries, shock, severe bleeding, AED use, CPR, and more.

  • Q. 11 : How is the PADI Emergency First Response course organized?

    Answer: The PADI Emergency First Response course typically follows this structure:

    • Knowledge acquisition: This involves the classroom part of the course where you learn about primary life support and emergency response skills through learning materials, like videos, and lectures.
    • Skill development: This involves the practical aspect of the course where you practice and exhibit the skills you learned in the knowledge acquisition section.
    • Scenario practice: This involves applying the skills you learned in realistic emergency scenarios.
  • Q. 12 : How long does it take to complete the PADI Emergency First Response course?

    Answer: The course typically takes one day to complete, and it may be taken as a standalone course or as part of a larger program such as the PADI Rescue Diver course.

  • Q. 13 : Is there an online version of the PADI Emergency First Response course?

    Answer: Yes, an online version of the course is available and covers the same material as the classroom-based course, including videos, interactive quizzes, and other learning resources.

  • Q. 14 : Are there any age requirements for the course?

    Answer: There is no minimum age requirement, but some skills may be physically challenging for younger participants.

  • Q. 15 : How long is PADI Emergency First Response certification valid?

    Answer: The certification is valid for two years, and after that period, one must retake the course and pass the skills assessment to renew the certification.

  • Q. 16 : Can individuals with medical conditions or disabilities take the course?

    Answer: It depends on the nature and severity of the condition or disability, and individuals should consult with their physician and the course instructor to determine eligibility.

  • Q. 17 : Is the course covered by insurance?

    Answer: Coverage depends on the individual's insurance policy, and it is recommended to check with the provider to determine if the course is covered.

  • Q. 18 : Does the PADI Emergency First Response certification have international recognition?

    Answer: Yes, the PADI Emergency First Response certification has international recognition, allowing you to apply the skills and knowledge gained in any country.

  • Q. 19 : Which topics are included in the PADI Emergency First Response course?

    Answer: The PADI Emergency First Response course encompasses various topics, such as CPR, using an AED, first aid for choking, severe bleeding, shock, spinal injuries, fractures, and more.

  • Q. 20 : Can you enroll in the PADI Emergency First Response course if you have a medical condition or disability?

    Answer: Whether you can enroll in the PADI Emergency First Response course depends on the extent and nature of your medical condition or disability. It's advisable to consult with your physician and the course instructor before enrolling.

  • Q. 21 : Does the PADI Emergency First Response course fall under insurance coverage?

    Answer: The coverage of the PADI Emergency First Response course under your insurance policy varies. Some policies cover emergency response and first aid training costs, while others don't. You should check with your insurance provider to determine the coverage.



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