SAMPLE COURSE SCHEDULE

The following is a sample or hypothetical course schedule.  There is no one way to teach diving medicine; each instructor should develop the schedule which suits him best.  The schedule selected will almost certainly vary according to the instructor’s ability and experience, and to the students’ needs, background and aptitude.

The instructor should not follow any schedule rigidly, but rather spend the time necessary to ensure the core material is mastered:

• Barotrauma
• Decompression sickness
• Oxygen toxicity
• Neurologic exams
• Chamber and treatment practice

Generally, forty to fifty hours of instruction are needed for most students.  This can generally be given over a period of four to six days (or longer).  Students with prior knowledge and experience (eg, commercial or military training) may be given accelerated training or optional material, according to the instructor’s judgment

DAY                  HOURS                         SUBJECT
                        * = optional/variable

ONE                 (*)                                             I.  Orientation – registration, fees
                                                                            -introduce staff
                                                                            - rules and regulations
                                                                            - attendance and exam policies
                                                                            - student physicals, credentials, certifications

                        (2)                                            II  Role of the DMT

                        (2)                                            III Review of diving physics
                                                                                 - gas laws
                                                                                 - formulas and compulations

                        (4)                                            IV Diving physiology
                                                                            -cardiopulmonary anatomy/physiology review
                                                                                  - inert gas physiology
                                                                            - gas toxicities

                        (*)                                             V Chamber familiarization and orientation
                                                                           - pressure and clearing
                                                                                 - oxygen tolerance testing

TWO                 (2)                                            I.   Barotrauma (ENT)
                                                                                   
                        (2)                                            II   Neurological exam, lecture

                        (1)                                            III  Ear exam demonstration and practice

                        (2-3)                                          IV  Practice neuro exams, surface and in chamber

THREE             (2-4)                                          I.  Diving and treatment tables
                        (2-3)                                          II  Barotrauma, lung
                                                                            - emphysema
                                                                            - pneumothorax
                                                                            - air embolism

                        (*)                                             III  Simulated (brief) treatment.,
                                                                                      effect of 6 ATA on performance

FOUR               (3)                                            I   Decompression sickness- theory,
                                                                                      accident management

                        (*)                                             II   Sham treatment

                        (2)                                            III  Oxygen toxicity

FIVE                 (0-2)                                          I   Decompression sickness - accident
                                                                                      management

                        (*)                                             II  Sham treatment

                        (0-2)                                          III  Oxygen toxicity

                        (3-4)                                          IV  Review and final exam

 

                        24-32   approximate lecture hours
                             14     estimated chamber orientation and
                                          sham treatments

                         38-46    estimated total hours of instruction