Overview

In the Emergency First Response (EFR) course by PADI, training is divided into Primary Care (CPR) and Secondary Care (First Aid). Primary Care (CPR) prepares you to handle life-threatening emergencies. You learn to assess the situation, provide rescue breathing, perform CPR, manage choking incidents, control severe bleeding, treat shock, and care for possible spinal injuries. The focus is on sustaining life until professional medical help arrives. Secondary Care (First Aid) focuses on non-life-threatening conditions where medical assistance may be delayed. You practice patient assessments and learn to care for injuries such as cuts, sprains, burns, or illnesses. Skills include proper bandaging, splinting, and providing comfort while monitoring the patient’s condition. Together, these two areas give you a complete set of emergency response skills—ensuring that you can act confidently in both critical and everyday situations. The course emphasizes hands-on practice and simple step-by-step techniques, helping you build the confidence to respond quickly and effectively. Whether you are a diver preparing for higher-level training or someone who simply wants to be ready in case of emergencies, the EFR course provides essential, internationally recognized CPR and first aid skills that can make a real difference.

Description

Emergency First Response (EFR) Course – Comprehensive Overview The Emergency First Response (EFR) course by PADI is a globally recognized training program designed to equip participants with vital CPR and first aid skills. Unlike diving courses that focus specifically on underwater safety, the EFR course provides essential emergency care techniques that can be applied both in daily life and in diving situations. It is open to everyone—not just divers—and is an important requirement for those pursuing the PADI Rescue Diver certification and other advanced training. At its core, the course is built around two main areas of training: Primary Care (CPR) and Secondary Care (First Aid). Together, these modules ensure that participants can respond confidently and effectively to both life-threatening and non-life-threatening emergencies. Additional optional modules may also include Automated External Defibrillator (AED) use, Emergency Oxygen Administration, and even Care for Children, making the course adaptable to different needs. Primary Care (CPR) Primary Care focuses on immediate, life-saving actions in critical situations. Emergencies such as cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, or severe bleeding require quick and decisive responses, and this section of the course is designed to teach you just that. Key skills in Primary Care (CPR) include: Scene Assessment and Barrier Use: Learning how to evaluate the safety of the environment before approaching a victim, and using protective equipment to reduce infection risk. Primary Assessment: Quickly checking the patient’s responsiveness, breathing, and circulation to determine what care is needed. CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation): Step-by-step training in providing chest compressions and rescue breaths to maintain circulation and oxygen flow in a patient experiencing cardiac arrest. Rescue Breathing for Adults: Techniques for providing effective ventilation when a patient is not breathing but still has a heartbeat. Management of Choking: Learning how to assist adults or children who are choking and unable to breathe. Serious Bleeding and Shock Management: Techniques to control life-threatening bleeding and treat for shock, which often accompanies severe injuries. Spinal Injury Management: How to care for patients with suspected spinal injuries while minimizing further harm. The aim of this section is to sustain life until professional help arrives. Students are taught to remain calm under pressure, follow systematic procedures, and provide effective care in emergencies that may otherwise prove fatal. Secondary Care (First Aid) While Primary Care addresses immediate threats to life, Secondary Care (First Aid) teaches participants how to respond to injuries and illnesses that are not immediately life-threatening but still require attention. This training is particularly useful in environments where professional medical help may be delayed—such as remote areas, while traveling, or even in everyday situations where access to a hospital is not immediate. Key skills in Secondary Care (First Aid) include: Injury Assessment: Performing a detailed check to identify injuries that might not be obvious at first glance. Illness Assessment: Recognizing and evaluating signs of common medical conditions, such as heat exhaustion, hypothermia, or diabetic emergencies. Bandaging and Splinting: Practical training on how to bandage wounds effectively and immobilize injured limbs to prevent further damage. Wound and Burn Care: Procedures for treating cuts, scrapes, and burns to reduce pain, prevent infection, and promote healing. Basic Illness Management: Providing care and comfort for non-life-threatening illnesses until professional medical assistance is available. The Secondary Care module ensures that participants are prepared to handle everyday accidents with confidence, helping reduce discomfort and preventing injuries from worsening. Learning Approach and Environment The EFR course is designed to be practical, engaging, and stress-free. Instead of focusing on memorization, it emphasizes simple, step-by-step procedures that can be recalled easily during real emergencies. The course typically includes: Knowledge Development: Reading materials, videos, and discussions that explain concepts in an easy-to-understand format. Skill Demonstrations: Instructors demonstrate each skill before students practice them in a controlled environment. Hands-On Practice: Students work with mannequins, bandaging materials, and other equipment to reinforce their learning. Scenario-Based Learning: Simulated emergency situations where students apply multiple skills together, building confidence and real-world application. The training environment is non-stressful, encouraging participants to ask questions and repeat skills as many times as needed. This supportive approach ensures that learners of all backgrounds—whether they have prior medical knowledge or not—can successfully complete the program. Optional Modules In addition to Primary and Secondary Care, participants may also choose to add specialized modules depending on their needs: Care for Children: CPR and first aid procedures specifically tailored for infants and children. Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Training: How to use an AED effectively in cases of sudden cardiac arrest. Emergency Oxygen Administration: Learning how to administer oxygen safely, which is particularly important for scuba divers. These modules enhance the participant’s skillset and increase their ability to handle a wider range of emergencies. Who Should Take the EFR Course? The EFR course is ideal for: Divers: It is a prerequisite for the PADI Rescue Diver course and an important step toward professional-level certifications. Non-Divers: Families, travelers, and professionals who want to be prepared for emergencies in daily life. Workplaces: Many organizations encourage or require staff to have CPR and first aid certification. Parents and Caregivers: Those responsible for children often find the skills invaluable. Since no prior diving experience is required, the EFR course is accessible to anyone who wishes to learn how to respond in emergencies. Certification and Recognition Upon completion, participants receive an Emergency First Response certification card, which is valid worldwide. The certification is recognized internationally, making it a valuable addition to both personal skills and professional qualifications. The certification is valid for 24 months, after which a refresher course is recommended to keep skills sharp and up to date. Benefits Beyond Diving While the EFR course is often associated with scuba diving, the skills learned extend far beyond the underwater world. Emergencies can happen at home, in the workplace, while traveling, or during recreational activities. By completing the course, participants gain: Confidence to act effectively during emergencies. Practical skills that can save lives and reduce suffering. Peace of mind, knowing they are prepared for unexpected situations.