In prior editions of Straight Talk, I’ve spoken about the PADI organization’s growing role in diver citizen science and ocean conservation efforts. We are in the early days of making a large and constructive difference. There is another important way you make a difference that you may not have thought about: As a dive industry professional, you have the superpower to teach people to save lives.

This is my point of view, and I don’t believe it is an overstatement. You have the skills and power to teach – and that can make a huge difference in people’s lives every day. An estimated 90 percent of people must respond to a friend or family member’s medical emergency sometime in their lives. Estimates put global heart disease deaths at 18-20 million people annually – more than 56,000 people daily – which means someone is dying every 1.5 seconds. On top of this, the World Health Organization estimates that 236,000 people die by drowning annually – with the highest rates in those younger than four years old. In many countries, drowning is a leading cause of death for ages 14 and under.

What exactly is this superpower? Teaching Emergency First Response Primary and Secondary Care, PADI Rescue Diver, PADI Emergency Oxygen Provider, and PADI Swim School directly addresses these sobering numbers. Multiple studies find that when started immediately in cases of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, CPR significantly increases the probability of a favorable outcome – especially when an AED is used. Following trauma injuries, first aid increases survival as much as 75 percent. While there are no statistics on divers rescuing non-divers, a PADI Rescue Diver (or higher) is obviously much more prepared to respond to a drowning emergency than the average person. Because data show that lifeguards substantially reduce drowning deaths, especially on beaches, trained intervention unquestionably makes a difference. And studies find that swimming lessons reduce drowning deaths in one- to four-year-olds a staggering 88 percent – PADI Swim School takes that one head on.

Think about this: Even though very few of your PADI Rescue Divers will ever face a full blown non-responsive, non-breathing diver emergency, nine out of 10 of them will face a medical emergency outside of diving – a drowning, heart attack, stroke, or traumatic accident. It will happen sometime in their lives, and it will happen to someone they care about. Whatever it is, though, they will be better prepared thanks to what you taught them while becoming PADI Rescue Divers. Arguably, this is the most important course you can teach or assist with because it prepares all of us in the dive community to help each other, and those we care about.

This is why teaching EFR, PADI Rescue Diver and Emergency Oxygen Provider (plus Swim School) is a noble choice – a selfless People and Humanity choice. When you use your superpower to run these courses in your community, you can make big, important differences in someone’s life beyond diving. That makes us better, and the planet a better place to live – and I think we can all benefit from a lot more of that.

Sincerely,

Drew Richardson
President & CEO

PS: Be sure to check out these new videos for professional tips on teaching PADI Rescue Diver courses.

The post Straight Talk from PADI CEO: You Make a Big Difference appeared first on PADI Pros.

President’s Desk, EFR, PADI President, rescue diver, straight talkPADI Pros