DMT Certification/Recertification Information Packet

DMT Certification Requirements (Basic)                                                  

An individual wishing to become a certified Basic Diver Medic Technician through NBDHMT must successfully complete a Diver Medic course taught by an approved NBDHMT instructor. The course is also known as "Module 16". Also:

            1. Must provide documentation of formal diving training.

            2. Must provide documentation showing Emergency Medicine Training.

            3. Must provide a copy of Diving Medicine Course, or service equivalent, certificate
                taught by one of our approved instructors.

            4. Must provide completed instructor evaluation form.

            5. Send all of the above to the NBDHMT with your check or money order in the amount of                 $125.00 (initial 2-year registration fee) payable to NBDHMT. 

DMT Certification Requirements (Advanced)

An individual wishing to become a certified Advanced Diver Medic Technician through NBDHMT must satisfy all of the requirements listed above plus:

• Applicants must show documented evidence that they have also received instruction in advanced invasive techniques and procedures, including airway management (endotracheal intubation), nasogastric tubes, intravenous and intramuscular injections, Foley catherization and suturing.

After the Membership Committee reviews the application, and it is accepted, the individual will receive the certificate, membership card, patch and decal, recertification policies & procedures, and merchandise order form. Keep this documentation. Your re-registration fee (good for 2 years) is $75.00.

There is no single way for every DMT to meet recertification requirements, as much depends on the needs of the individual medic. In order to be recertified, the diver-medic must accumulate 24 hours of lecture and skills practice during a two-year certification period, plus a minimum of 24 hours of ambulance/emergency room observation time. NOTE: Those DMT’s performing duties off-shore may satisfy their ambulance/emergency room time by documenting emergency cases managed/attended by them during that time. This documentation must be attested to by a supervisor.

In planning course attendance, medics should consider their particular setting and plan. refresher training around the accidents they are likely to encounter and the resources available in planning courses. Instructors should do likewise, considering the needs of the students and their own special experience and knowledge.

The following principles should be kept in mind:

1. The twin goals in recertification are to maintain acceptable competence and provide for growth in skill. Therefore, each two-year period should include review of previous skills and knowledge as well as exposure to new material.
2. Exposure to actual emergencies is most desirable, and medics should try to obtain more than the 24 hours minimum emergency room ambulance time. (See note above)
3. Requirements for each two-year period may be met by one course, or a series of short courses.
4. Courses should be basic, practical, and oriented toward the setting of field treatment of diving accidents.

1. At least four hours in each two-year period must be specifically in diving medicine,  taught by an instructor approved by NBDHMT. For instructors not already known to NBDHMT, approval must be obtained in advance of the course.
2. At least sixteen (16) hours in each two-year period must be in general emergency medicine, at the basic EMT level or higher. This training may be obtained from any recognized agency, such as certified EMS instructors, community colleges, or Red Cross.
3. The remaining four hours may be in any area reasonably related to general emergency medicine, remote duty medicine, hyperbaric medicine, or diving medicine.  These hours must be taught by instructors or agencies as in (1) and (2).
4. For lecture and skills practice, the DMT must furnish the following as evidence of training:

1. each course or topic covered
2. clock hours devoted to each
3. date(s) of training
4. signature of the instructor and a statement that the DMT passed the course. Where multiple instructors are involved in a specific course, one must be clearly designated as the course director or coordinator and provide the required signature (although all instructors may sign).

5. For ER or ambulance time, provide the following:

1. location or activity
2. date and hours spent
3. signature and title of person-in-charge (head nurse, crew chief, shift supervisor, etc.)

6. Evidence of training hours may be sent to the Board as they are earned or saved until the end of the two-year period, according to your preference. DMT's with questions about training or recertification not answered in this manual may call Board headquarters if they have uncertainties or problems.

RECERTIFICATION PROCEDURE
Recertification is for a two-year period. Therefore, every other year members must provide evidence of acceptable refresher training for the previous two­ year period, in addition to paying the current year membership fee. This should be forwarded to Board headquarters, along with a $75.00 recertification fee. (good for two years)