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Boy Scouts Embrace DAN CPR Challenge at National Jamboree

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Widespread CPR training has been shown to increase survival rates in certain types of cardiac arrest by as much as 22 percent, and evidence shows that hands-on training is the most effective way of ensuring long-term skills retention. Which is why, when asked to support the 2017 National Scout Jamboree with CPR training and safety outreach initiatives, Divers Alert Network enthusiastically answered the call of duty.

With more than 40,000 Boy Scouts, leaders, and parents in attendance, the National Jamboree offered an extraordinary opportunity for DAN to nurture a culture of safety among youths. Held in July 2017 at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in New Hope, West Virginia, the Jamboree was the latest of the quadrennial meetings of all national Scout troops and guests from the international scouting community.

Even for trained professionals, CPR can be a challenging skill to master. The use of analog manikins and the infrequency of refresher courses often leads to loss of proficiency and ineffective CPR administration. To address this, and to challenge the Scouts in a fun and educational way, DAN provided a CPR Challenge event using an electronic patient simulator. The simulator — which measures the effectiveness of compressions, ventilations and airway management — displays resuscitation data and cues on a monitor in real-time.  Participants and their instructors can see the effects of their efforts, and the results are often illuminating as previously unknown skills deficiencies are identified. Scouts were challenged to perform two-person CPR on the electronic manikin and scored on their performance. Top scores in the CPR challenge won DAN First-Aid Kits, and all Scouts went home with a special DAN National Jamboree challenge coin, educational materials, and stickers. The challenge reinforced the importance of training and regular skill refreshers for all participants, highlighting the fact that recently trained Scouts could often out-perform physicians and professional healthcare providers who had not regularly practiced CPR.

“The synergy between DAN’s Mission and the Boy Scouts of America, whose motto is ‘Be Prepared,’ offers the perfect opportunity to build and strengthen a culture of safety among the next generation,” says DAN President and CEO Bill Ziefle. “During the Jamboree, DAN not only trained nearly 2500 Scouts in CPR techniques but also provided first-aid and dive safety information to nearly 25,000 participants. Outreach of this type is extremely important, both in increasing first-aid and CPR awareness and in supporting those who would like to learn to dive safely. We would like to thank DAN Board Member Kathy Weydig for introducing us to this opportunity.”

In addition to the CPR Challenge, DAN outreach at the event also included logistical support for Jamboree staff and volunteers, along with education and consultation to participating troops, non-profit organizations and businesses with connections to the diving community.

“The DAN CPR Challenge was a big hit with the Scouts,” says Mike Meenehan, Leader of the Jamboree Scuba Team. “On behalf of the BSA and the scuba activity staff, I want to express my sincere thanks for DAN’s efforts at the Jamboree and support of the scouts.”

CPR and first-aid training are proven, lifesaving skills that all dive professionals should not only have, but also teach. Since cardiac disease is implicated in 30 percent or more of diving incidents, and is the number one killer worldwide, everyone should be prepared to respond or aid in response with CPR skills. DAN encourages all dive instructors, divemasters and dive leaders to earn their DAN Instructor rating and offer this training to their students, certified divers and community at large. The DAN Diving Emergency Management Provider (DEMP) instructor course — which covers four foundational first responder programs, including Basic Life Support (CPR and First Aid), Neurological Assessment, Emergency Oxygen, and First Aid for Hazardous Marine Life Injuries — provides skills all recreational divers and non-diving community members should have in their “response tool box”.   DAN First Aid and CPR courses meet the 2015 ILCOR and American Heart Association standards, and are US Coast Guard and American Camp Association approved.

Find a DAN Instructor Trainer today to learn more and start your training.

Source: www.divenewswire.com

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Spooktacular Underwater Adventure: Oyster Diving’s First Halloween Scuba Party at Mercers Lake

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halloween

Last Thursday, Oyster Diving transformed Mercers Lake into a hauntingly unforgettable underwater realm for their inaugural Halloween Scuba Party. Approximately 20 intrepid divers plunged into the darkness, weaving through a mesmerising scene of spectral decorations, glow sticks, and eerie underwater pumpkins.

halloween halloween

After the thrilling night dive, participants gathered to feast on a ghoulish spread of pumpkin soup, chilli con carne, and decadent fudge brownies, perfect fuel for the frightful festivities.

halloween

With a resounding success, Oyster Diving is excited to announce plans for this event to become an annual tradition. Next year, look forward to a fully licensed bar and live music, promising an even spookier celebration under the moonlit waters.

halloween

Join us next Halloween for an experience that promises to be a haunting delight!

Find out more about Oyster Diving at oysterdiving.com.

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Marine Life & Conservation

Shark Trust launches Oceanic 31 Shark Art Auction

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After a two-year tour of UK art galleries, community spaces and aquariums, the Shark Trust’s acclaimed Oceanic31 exhibition takes its final bow at the Royal Geographical Society later this month. And the unique collection of artwork, depicting 31 species of oceanic sharks and rays, donated by 31 artists, is now open for bids from art lovers and shark enthusiasts. The online auction, launched today, will close on the 7th December at 8pm (BST). The money raised will support the Shark Trust Oceanics Programme.

People can now bid on 27 of the artworks by visiting this website:

https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction

It is a chance to own a beautiful piece of original art and to support the Shark Trust. The timing of the auction also means that these would make a very special Christmas gift for any shark-lover.

The diversity of pieces mirrors that of the sharks and rays they represent. You can bid on paintings, digital creations, sculptures, mixed media and more. You can pick your favourite artist or species of shark. Or you can select the perfect artwork to make a statement in your home or office. Whichever you choose, you will be supporting the work to protect these amazing animals.

One of the pieces of art has been selected to be auctioned live by Steve Backshall at the For the Love of Sharks event at the Royal Geographical Society in London on the 29th November. In addition to this, two further pieces will be raffled at this event, giving people a chance to win an incredible piece of shark art. For the Love of Sharks is the Shark Trust’s flagship evening. A night to celebrate sharks. Steve Backshall is the headline speaker at this event that will see other prominent shark advocates join him on stage.

Tickets for the event can be snapped up here:

https://thesharktrust.org.uk/Event/flos24

Those that would like to see the Oceanic 31 exhibition have one final chance. It is being displayed at the Pavilion at the Royal Geographic Society from 26th November until the 7th December. Entry is free.

Find out more here:

https://www.rgs.org/events/upcoming-events/oceanic-31

 Paul Cox, Shark Trust CEO, Said “This exhibition has given us the opportunity to reach out to a new audience. And inspire more people with the wonderful sharks and rays on which our Big Shark Pledge campaign is based. We are immensely grateful to the 31 artists who have worked so hard to create these works.”

Bid for your favourite Oceanic 31 artwork here:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction


Banner Image: Smooth Hammerhead by Alicia Hayden

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