Diving First Aid (DFA) is the most comprehensive first aid course in the dive industry.
This is the class for divers who want to be prepared, not just certified.
Whether you dive recreationally, professionally, or lead trips for friends and family, DFA gives you the skills to recognize problems early, respond correctly, and keep a bad day from getting worse.
Why Take Diving First Aid?
When something goes wrong in the water, there is no pause button.
Emergency services take time to arrive. In that gap, the actions taken by the people already on scene matter. A lot.
DFA is designed to bridge that gap. It combines CPR, first aid, emergency oxygen, neurological assessment, and hazardous marine life injury response into one cohesive, real-world training program.
This is not about memorizing acronyms. It is about recognizing problems, staying calm, and doing the right things in the right order until help arrives.
What Is Included in DFA?
DFA includes all of the content from:
- DAN Basic Life Support (CPR and First Aid)
- DAN Emergency Oxygen for Scuba Diving Injuries
- Neurological assessment for diving injuries
- First aid for hazardous marine life injuries
It is the most complete first aid package DAN offers for divers and dive professionals.
How the Course Works
DFA uses a blended learning format.
Academics are completed through DAN eLearning. You complete the knowledge development portion online at your own pace before we meet.
The hands-on skills are instructor-led. This is the part that matters. We practice assessments, CPR, oxygen delivery systems, neurological checks, and injury management in person.
Saving a life is not theoretical. The skills portion is where confidence is built.
What You Will Learn
You will learn how to:
- Recognize medical and diving-related emergencies
- Perform primary and secondary patient assessments
- Provide high-quality CPR for adults, children, and infants
- Use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
- Administer emergency oxygen safely and effectively
- Recognize and assess neurological injuries
- Manage shock, bleeding, and traumatic injuries
- Respond to hazardous marine life injuries
The goal is simple. When something goes sideways, you know what to do.
Who Should Take This Course?
- Certified divers of any level
- Dive professionals and assistants
- Trip leaders and instructors
- Public safety, scientific, and working divers
- Anyone who wants real-world emergency response skills
No prior medical training is required.
DAN Oxygen Grant Program
DAN members certified in DFA or Emergency Oxygen may be eligible to apply for the DAN Oxygen Grant Program.
This program allows qualified members to apply for a low- or no-cost oxygen unit for use during scuba diving emergencies.
Details and eligibility are handled directly through DAN.
Ready to Take DFA?
This course is taught by Dive With Frank in small groups or private sessions at a schedule and location that works for you.
This is serious training, taught without pressure, ego, or unnecessary stress.