Diving Experience

Creating an Emergency Assistance Plan (EAP): A Pro Diver’s Preparation

The Emergency Assistance Plan (EAP): Preparing for the Worst-Case Scenario

 

A firefighter doesn’t start looking for a hydrant after the building is already on fire. A pilot doesn’t start reading the manual after an engine fails. Likewise, a prepared Rescue Diver doesn’t wait for an incident to wonder who to call or what to do. They have an Emergency Assistance Plan (EAP).

This is the final piece and the pinnacle of the prevention mindset in Amadive’s series on the PADI Rescue Diver course. Creating and knowing how to use an EAP transforms the chaos of an emergency into an orderly, effective, life-saving sequence of actions.

 

Why an EAP Can Be a Lifesaver

PADI Rescue Diver

In a high-stress situation, the human brain does not perform at its best. Adrenaline can cloud judgment and make you forget critical details. A written EAP acts as your backup “brain.”

  • It saves precious time: Instead of searching for phone numbers or debating who should do what, you simply follow the plan.
  • It ensures no steps are missed: A checklist format guarantees that all critical actions are taken.
  • It minimizes chaos: Clear role delegation helps everyone know their exact job, creating a coordinated response.

 

The Anatomy of a Comprehensive EAP

An effective EAP is more than just a list of phone numbers. It’s a detailed document that includes the following components:

 

1. Emergency Contact Information

This is the core, including:

  • Local Emergency Medical Services (e.g., 911, 112, or the local equivalent).
  • The Divers Alert Network (DAN) Hotline.
  • Local Coast Guard or Marine Police.
  • Name, address, and phone number of the nearest medical facility.
  • Crucially: Name, address, and phone number of the nearest recompression chamber.

 

2. Site-Specific Logistics and Information

  • The name and description of the dive site.
  • The exact GPS coordinates.
  • The nearest physical address for an ambulance to access (for shore dives).
  • A detailed description of entry and exit points, including potential difficulties.
  • The dive boat’s VHF radio channel.

 

3. Emergency Equipment Inventory

  • The exact location of the emergency oxygen unit.
  • The location of the first-aid kit.
  • The location of other devices like an AED, phone, or VHF radio.

 

4. Personnel and Role Delegation

In a dive group, roles should be assigned beforehand:

  • Scene Manager: The person with overall responsibility for coordinating the response.
  • Caller: The person responsible for contacting emergency services.
  • First Aider: The person who directly cares for the victim and administers oxygen.
  • Support: People who help bring equipment, manage bystanders, and record information.

 

How to Create an EAP for a Dive

 

  1. Do Your Research: Before heading to a new dive site, look up the local emergency service information.
  2. Fill it Out: Use an EAP template (PADI provides slates for this) and fill in all the necessary details.
  3. Brief the Team: Before the dive, gather the group, go over the EAP, and assign roles. Make sure everyone knows where the emergency equipment is.
  4. Keep it Accessible: Keep a copy of the EAP in a visible and easily accessible place (e.g., in a dry box on the boat or in your dive bag).

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • Do I need an EAP even for a familiar local dive?
    • Yes. Emergencies can happen anywhere. Having the plan ready helps you react faster instead of relying on memory under stress.
  • Who is responsible for creating the EAP?
    • On a professional dive trip, the Divemaster or Instructor is responsible. However, a responsible Rescue Diver will take it upon themselves to know this information for their own private dives.

 

Conclusion: The Mark of a True Professional

Proactively creating and using an Emergency Assistance Plan is the highest sign of a safety-conscious, preventative diver. It demonstrates a commitment to the safety of not just yourself, but your entire dive team. It’s the skill that elevates you from a participant to a guardian.

Important Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes. These skills must be learned and practiced under the direct supervision of a certified PADI Instructor during a Rescue Diver course.

⬅️ Back to the main Rescue Diver Course article to review all the skills