Dive Training Blogs

Code Blue: Diver Medic Technician Course

Published

9 years ago

August 9, 2016

I recently attended the Diver Medic Technician course, run by Chantelle Newman, which was a great experience.

The Diver Medic Technician (DMT) course is run by DAN Europe at Code Blue Education. The idea behind the course is to ensure you are prepared for and are able to deal with any diving related medical emergency. There are both theory and practical-based elements to the course.

My first aid background began with an emergency first aid course back in 1991. I completed various other first aid and lifesaving courses over the next couple of years, and became an examiner and instructor for First aid in 1993 through an Occupational Health consultancy. I have maintained some form of lifesaving and first aid qualification for most of the 25 years since that first course in ’91, and have held qualifications with the RYA, BCU, COCLG, BSAC, SSI, EFR, AIDA and several other notable agencies. I have also qualified hundreds of First Aiders and rescue trained staff.

I’ve always wanted to improve my knowledge past this basic level, so when I discovered there was a course taking place in Brentford, London with www.thedivermedic.com I signed up immediately. In order to take the course you have to be over 18 years of age, a rescue diver (or equivalent) and above or have held a first aid at work certificate. You should also at least hold a current EFR/ BLS/First Aid Certification. This course was certainly at a different, much higher level of knowledge than I have been exposed to before.

The course was headed by Chantelle Newman. Chantelle is from South Africa, where in 1985 she became the youngest female diver to be NAUI certified and qualified. She has brought together her passions for diving and medicine to increase dive safety awareness worldwide. She is the founder of the Diver Medic Facebook Group and the magazine ‘Diver Medic.’ She was the second only female ever to develop a Diver Medic Technician (DMT) Course accredited by IMCA for Commercial divers and DAN Europe for recreational divers, a course which Chantelle is still the only female able to teach. She is on the DAN Europe Training Committee, and is a regular speaker at the UK dive shows. Chantelle continues to work on projects related to Dive Safety and Education. Chantelle has recently been inducted into the Women Divers Hall of Fame 2016.

Everyone on the Code Blue team is an industry professional. This is vital, because this is not a course you want to take with amateurs at the helm. There is, in certain areas of the diving industry, almost what I would describe as desperation for some Instructors to try and make money from skills they have not yet mastered themselves, and simply either sign off through an agency or scrape together a basic CV of skills so they can pretend they are going to offer value for money. If their primary objective is short term financial gain from skills they don’t even possess properly, then the outcome will be courses with little value, no matter what they charge. Code Blue are one of the organisations doing it properly; they know their stuff, and they are highly experienced in their field. My advice is to seek out operators of this calibre when attempting to improve yourself, especially where safety is involved. The trainers were personable yet professional, knowledgeable and put together a course that was hands on, fun, and yet very educational too.

Before the course we were given several self-study tasks to achieve. It was a great refresher on Oxygen administration, AED, hazardous marine life injuries, First and decompression theory and a very comprehensive Diver medic technician book. I really brushed up on my knowledge and had learned a lot of new information before attending the course, which set me up for a great learning experience and got me a couple of extra qualifications in the process.

The equipment used on the course was exceptional. We were provided with – for free – lots of equipment, manuals, DVDs, and during the course many of the items we needed to use such as needles, gloves and sutures. This course must have cost a lot of money to put together and to run, but quality is its main goal. The manikin was the best I’ve ever used on a course – it was hooked to a unit so it could show deterioration or improvement depending on your actions; you could inject it; listen to its lung and stomach noises; test it for pulse and blood pressure; and you could of course also perform CPR like you can on standard dolls. It meant the many real life scenarios we were given were very realistic, which made the course that much better.

The DMT course was put together for commercial divers working remotely so they could deal with diving emergencies. The perceived risks of commercial diving are higher, but in fact more recreational incidents occur. The DMT is a 10 day course and you receive DAN Europe’s DAN Recreational Diver Medical Technician certification, which is valid for 2 years. I would recommend this course to anyone wanting to further their first aid knowledge to an advanced level, and to all teaching first aid instructors. Knowing those next steps gives a real insight into what you need to do to help a casualty. I would also recommend it to all scuba divers and freedivers so they are in a position to help their fellow divers in an emergency, but especially to career industry professionals, who are responsible for their students… because this course will certainly save lives.

Here are some of the Diver Medic Technician course subject areas covered:

Bleeding
Fractures, sprains and muscle trauma
Shock
Burns
Electric shock
Asphyxia, pulmonary oedema
Respiratory arrest
Cardiac arrest
Convulsions
Hypothermia
Hyperthermia
The musculo-skeletal system
The nervous system
The heart, blood vessels, circulation and blood
The lungs
The ears, sinuses and vestibular organs
Personal hygiene in the management of injuries
The systematic method of examining injured or ill patients, including divers
Methods for monitoring vital signs such as pulse, respiratory rate, temperature, and blood pressure
Methods of caring for a casualty on site and during transportation
The administration of oxygen
Decompression illness, including pulmonary barotrauma and gas
Setting up intravenous infusions
Parenteral administration of drugs
Suturing
Catheterisation
Embolism
Squeeze
Ear problems – infections, barotrauma, routine hygiene in saturation environments
Injuries to skin and eyes
Near drowning, secondary drowning, vomiting under water
Carbon dioxide retention and poisoning
Carbon monoxide poisoning
Other breathing gas contaminants, e.g. hydrocarbons
Oxygen toxicity
Anoxia and hypoxia
Nitrogen narcosis
Underwater blast injury
High pressure nervous syndrome (HPNS)
Diving accidents
Thermal stress – the effect of cold on divers’ performance
Dental problems – recognition and first aid
Dangerous marine animals – treatment of common injuries
The first-aid equipment available at the site of a diving operation
The management of medical emergencies within a diving bell
Communications with EMS
Use and hazards of the drugs and intravenous fluids
Theoretical teaching of bladder catheterisation
Theoretical teaching and practice where available of Insertion of pleural drain for pneumothorax
Airway maintenance (laryngeal mask)

Contacts for the course:

E-mail: info@thedivermedic.com

Website: www.thedivermedic.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/thedivermedic

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Steve Millard

Steve Millard is a leading UK based AIDA and PADI Freediving Instructor Trainer who is the owner of Apneists UK freediving group - www.freedivers.co.uk. Currently Press officer to the British Freediving Association and Performance mermaids lead coach.

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Help to Dive into the Future of Scuba Training – Support NovoScuba Today!

Published

5 days ago

April 25, 2025

Team Scubaverse

At Scubaverse, we’re always keen to spotlight initiatives that aim to make diving more accessible, inclusive, and innovative. NovoScuba is a bold new training agency with a mission to reshape how people learn to dive—and they’re inviting the global dive community to be part of something special.

What follows is a passionate look at their vision, values, and how you can get involved.

An Exciting Opportunity for Divers and Dreamers to Own a Piece of the Future of Scuba Diving

The world of scuba diving is about to undergo a revolutionary transformation—and you could be a part of it! NovoScuba, an innovative and passionate scuba diving training agency, is on the brink of a final push towards a global launch, that promises to change the way people learn to dive forever.

After two years of hard work, dedication, and a relentless drive to make the sport of scuba diving more accessible to all, NovoScuba is excited to announce that they are inviting enthusiastic divers, ocean lovers, and supporters of innovation to become shareholders in this game-changing movement.

This is your chance to dive into something much bigger than just a hobby. NovoScuba isn’t just offering training programs; they’re offering a stake in the future of the scuba industry. Are you ready to be a part of a global wave of change?

novoscuba

Who We Are: The NovoScuba Movement

NovoScuba isn’t your average diving school. We’re a movement—a movement that strives to make scuba diving more affordable, accessible, and sustainable for everyone. Our team is made up of passionate divers who are not just certified professionals but also deeply connected to the ocean, the environment, and the people who should be able to experience the wonders of the underwater world. We believe diving is about discovery, adventure, and sharing these experiences with others, not just about profit.

For the past two years, we’ve been working tirelessly to develop a new kind of diving training system. One that utilises cutting-edge technology, digital learning platforms, and a unique approach to make scuba diving training available to people from all walks of life. We’ve built this system with love, sweat, and an unwavering belief in our mission to make the world of diving more inclusive.

But here’s the thing—we’re not doing it for the pay check. In fact, none of our team members have taken a salary because we believe in this mission so much. It’s been a labour of love, and now, we’re asking you to be a part of it.

The Big Vision: Taking the Leap

After two years of intense planning, development, and innovation, NovoScuba is finally on the verge of going global. We’re ready to open our doors to the world, but we need your help to make the leap. We’re asking for your support to refine our digital platforms, expand our global reach, and ensure that we can provide top-notch scuba diving training to divers everywhere, no matter where they are or what their budget is.

This is where you come in.

Why We Need Your Help: A Call to Action

We’re closer than ever to achieving our dream, but we need that final push to launch NovoScuba on a global scale. This is not just about funding a business—it’s about being part of something that will redefine the future of scuba training. We need your help to get us over the last few hurdles, and in exchange, we are offering you an incredible opportunity to own a share in this exciting new venture.

For every £250 donation, you’ll receive 1 Class B share in NovoScuba. That’s right—you’re not just helping us out, you’re becoming part of our future. You’ll have a stake in a company that’s poised to revolutionise an entire industry, and as NovoScuba grows, so does your ownership. It’s more than a donation—it’s a chance to join a passionate and innovative team and help shape the future of scuba diving education.

Imagine being able to tell your friends that you didn’t just support a great cause—you’re a shareholder in the future of scuba diving! That’s an experience that goes beyond just funding; it’s about being part of something that matters.

novoscuba

How You Can Get Involved: Dive Right In!

Here’s how you can join the NovoScuba movement and help us make a splash:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-novoscuba-shape-the-future-of-scuba-training

Donate: Any amount makes a difference! Whether it’s £10 or £1,000, every contribution helps us reach our goal.

Become a Shareholder: Donate £250 or more, and you’ll receive a Class B share in NovoScuba. This is your chance to own a piece of the future of scuba diving education.
Spread the Word: Even if you can’t contribute financially, you can still help. Share our campaign with your network and help us spread the word about this exciting opportunity.
Get Involved: Dive deeper into the NovoScuba community by following us on social media, joining our online events, and staying connected as we grow. Your involvement will help us reach even more people who are eager to learn about the underwater world.

This isn’t just about helping us; it’s about joining a community of like-minded people who believe in making the world of scuba diving open to everyone. Together, we can change the face of scuba diving education and make it accessible for generations to come.

Why This Matters: Changing Lives, One Dive at a Time

Scuba diving is one of the most awe-inspiring experiences on earth. It’s a portal into a whole new world, full of beauty, mystery, and wonder. But for far too long, this life-changing activity has been out of reach for many people due to the high costs of training.

NovoScuba aims to change that by creating a digital-first training system that is not only more affordable but also more accessible. We’re committed to making diving available to people from all backgrounds, regardless of their income or location. With our innovative training methods, we’re able to offer a platform that meets the needs of today’s divers—whether they’re looking to dive for the first time or advance their skills.

We’re not just creating a business; we’re changing lives. We’re giving people the opportunity to explore the world beneath the waves, connect with the ocean, and discover something new about themselves. And we want you to be a part of that transformation.

The Future of Scuba Diving Starts Now

The diving world is ready for change, and NovoScuba is leading the charge. With your support, we’ll continue to grow and make diving more accessible, affordable, and sustainable for all. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get in on the ground floor of a company that is set to disrupt an entire industry.

If you’ve ever dreamed of being part of something truly transformative, now is the time. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to join the NovoScuba family and help us shape the future of scuba diving education.

Join Us Today—Let’s Make Waves Together!

Your support will help us reach new heights and bring our dream to life. Together, we can make scuba diving education accessible to everyone, no matter their background or budget.