PADI Emergency First Response
Learn Skills That Could Help Save a Life.
Emergencies can happen anywhere. Whether you’re at home, at work, travelling, participating in outdoor activities or diving, knowing how to respond calmly and confidently can make a real difference.
The PADI Emergency First Response (EFR) course teaches the essential skills of primary care (CPR) and secondary care (first aid) in a practical, supportive and enjoyable environment.
No previous experience is required, and you do not need to be a scuba diver to take part.
Why Take Emergency First Response?
Most people hope they’ll never need first aid skills. Unfortunately, accidents and medical emergencies happen when we least expect them.
Learning CPR and first aid gives you the confidence to recognise an emergency, provide immediate assistance where appropriate and support someone until professional medical help arrives.
Many divers complete Emergency First Response before progressing to Rescue Diver, but the skills you learn are valuable for anyone.
Is This Course Right For Me?
Emergency First Response is suitable for:
- Divers
- Non-divers
- Parents and grandparents
- Outdoor enthusiasts
- Sports coaches
- Youth leaders
- Teachers
- Anyone who wants greater confidence in responding to emergencies
No previous first aid training is required.
What You Will Learn
During the course you’ll develop practical skills including:
- Assessing an emergency scene
- Personal safety
- Primary Care (CPR)
- Secondary Care (First Aid)
- Helping someone who is unresponsive
- Managing common injuries
- Bandaging and wound care
- Monitoring a casualty
- Working effectively until emergency medical services arrive
The emphasis is on practical learning rather than lengthy classroom lectures.
Practical, Hands-On Training
Emergency First Response is a performance-based course. You’ll practise each skill with guidance from your instructor before taking part in realistic scenarios designed to build confidence.
Our instructors create a relaxed learning environment where questions are encouraged and everyone progresses at a comfortable pace.
Course Requirements
There are very few prerequisites.
- No previous first aid qualification is required.
- No scuba certification is required.
- Participants should be able to understand and safely perform the practical skills, including CPR and first aid techniques.
- Children are welcome provided they are physically and mentally capable of completing the required performance skills.
If you’re unsure whether the course is suitable for you or a younger participant, please contact us before booking.
Is there a minimum age? There is no official minimum age for the standard PADI Emergency First Response Primary and Secondary Care course. The programme is performance-based rather than age-based, so participants simply need to be capable of understanding the instruction and safely performing the practical skills.
What Is Included?
- Instructor-led training
- Practical scenario sessions
- Use of training equipment
- Emergency First Response certification upon successful completion
Duration
Course duration and available dates are managed on the booking page. Please refer to the enquiry page or contact us for the latest availability.
No upcoming dates are currently scheduled for this course.
Classroom & Practical Sessions
Private Training
We can offer 1:1 teaching and private pool sessions by enquiry for many of our PADI courses.
This is ideal if you would prefer a quieter learning environment, want extra support, or need training arranged around your availability.
Private training is subject to instructor and pool availability, so please get in touch and we’ll be happy to talk through the best option for you.
Contact UsWhy Train With Wiltshire Scuba?
Although Emergency First Response is often associated with scuba diving, the skills you learn are useful in everyday life. Our instructors focus on building confidence through practical experience, helping you leave the course feeling prepared rather than overwhelmed.
When you train with Wiltshire Scuba you’ll benefit from:
- Small groups
- Friendly instructors
- Practical scenario-based learning
- Modern training equipment
- Flexible scheduling where possible
- Ongoing support after your course
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a diver?
No. Emergency First Response is suitable for both divers and non-divers.
Is this the same as Rescue Diver?
No. Emergency First Response teaches CPR and first aid. Rescue Diver builds on those skills by applying them to diving-related emergency situations.
Is this course suitable for parents?
Absolutely. Many parents choose Emergency First Response because it provides practical skills that may prove useful in everyday life.
Will I practise CPR?
Yes. The course includes practical CPR training using appropriate training manikins.
What qualification will I receive?
On successful completion you’ll receive a PADI Emergency First Response certification.
What should I do after this course?
Many divers continue with Emergency Oxygen Provider and Rescue Diver. Those not involved in diving often choose to refresh their skills periodically to maintain confidence.
Related Courses
Where Could Your Journey Take You?
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Learn Essential Life Skills — you are here
Develop practical CPR and first aid skills.
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Expand Your Emergency Care Knowledge
Complete Emergency Oxygen Provider.
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Become A More Capable Diver
Progress to Rescue Diver.
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Teach Others
Continue to Emergency First Response Instructor and, if appropriate, professional-level PADI training.
Ready To Learn Skills That Matter?
Whether you’re a diver or not, Emergency First Response provides practical emergency care skills that can help you respond confidently when someone needs assistance. Contact Wiltshire Scuba today to find out more or enquire about the next available course.