I recently attended Scuba Lifesaving Accident Management (SLAM) training with SCUBAnauts International
Naut-in-Training Jonathan practices responding to an unconscious diver during SLAM training
in which I learned how to handle many emergency situations that can occur while SCUBA diving. The course lasted seven hours and consisted of both classroom and pool training. In the classroom section, we covered everything from basic SCUBA diving skills up to handling emergency situations like an unconscious diver underwater calmly and effectively. Pool training is where we had the opportunity to apply what we learned in the classroom, and practice dealing with certain situations by working through scenarios.
Classroom training began with a refresher on dive equipment and safety procedures. We covered each part of the scuba tank and regulator, BC system, etc. as well as extra safety equipment all divers should carry with them. Next, the instructor talked the class through situations which can occur while diving that may be difficult to handle. We learned how to calm a panicked diver, save someone if they become unconscious underwater, and what to do if we lose our dive buddy.
Time to get wet!
After we completed classroom training, we jumped in the pool where we reviewed concepts learned in the SCUBA certification course such as clearing a mask, sharing air, and regulator recovery. We then proceeded to my favorite part of the course, which was scenarios. All the students took turns acting out the part of a “panicked diver” or “unconscious diver,” and the others applied the skills learned in classroom training to aid the diver and bring them safely to the “boat” or “shore.”
Overall, the course was enjoyable, informative, and covered situations which all divers should know how to handle in case they happen to find themselves in one. I think it is important to not only learn this stuff in a classroom setting, but also apply the concepts to enforce our understanding of them. I recommend SLAM training to all divers who wish to expand their knowledge of SCUBA safety.
–By: Jacque S, Tarpon Springs Naut-in-Training
