Dive Health & Safety
First aid for divers: EFR, React Right and SDI first aid courses compared
Rescue Diver and Divemaster courses need recent first aid training: PADI asks for Emergency First Response within 24 months, SSI for current first aid, CPR and oxygen-provider training within two years, and SDI for current CPR, first aid and oxygen training. PADI EFR, SSI React Right and SDI's CPR, First Aid & Oxygen bundle all teach CPR and first aid on land. None needs a diving certification, SSI recommends 8–12 hours for the full React Right programme.
By 71 Guardians · Published 07 Nov 2026
Why do divers need a first aid course?
Two reasons. First, the agencies require it before the rescue and professional courses: PADI's Rescue Diver course asks for Emergency First Response Primary and Secondary Care within the past 24 months, SSI's Diver Stress & Rescue asks for current first aid, CPR and oxygen-provider training within two years, and SDI's Divemaster course asks for current CPR, first aid and oxygen provider certifications. Second, the skills are useful everywhere: on the boat, at the hotel or at home.
What do the courses cover?
All three teach what to do in a medical emergency until help arrives:
- Primary care: checking the scene is safe, CPR on training manikins, rescue breathing with a barrier and controlling serious bleeding
- Secondary care: assessing injuries and illness, bandaging and splinting, and looking after the person while help is on the way
- Emergency oxygen: assembling an oxygen unit and giving oxygen to an injured diver. SSI's React Right includes an Oxygen Provider part and an AED Provider part; SDI's bundle includes oxygen provider training
Emergency oxygen matters most for divers: it is the first aid for decompression sickness and for lung overexpansion injuries.
EFR, React Right or SDI: which one should you take?
Take the one that matches the agency of your next course, or the one that fits your time. Any of them meets the first aid requirement for its own agency's rescue course.
| PADI EFR | SSI React Right | SDI CPR, First Aid & Oxygen | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Covers | Primary care (CPR) and secondary care (first aid) | First aid and CPR, oxygen provider, AED provider | CPR, first aid and emergency oxygen |
| With us | Usually half a day to 1 day | SSI recommends 8–12 hours in total | Usually 1 day |
| Diving certification needed? | No | No (minimum age 12) | No |
| Counts for | PADI Rescue Diver needs it within 24 months | Valid for two years; meets the prerequisite for SSI Diver Stress & Rescue and SSI professional programmes | SDI Rescue Diver and Divemaster prerequisites |
Today's price for each is on its course page and on our price list.
How long does the first aid course take?
SSI recommends 8–12 hours for the full React Right programme: about 5 hours for First Aid and CPR, 1 hour for AED Provider and 2 hours for Oxygen Provider. With us, PADI EFR usually takes half a day to a day and the SDI bundle about a day. The course is in a classroom, with no diving, and we set the start time with you. It fits easily into the day before a Rescue Diver course.
Can non-divers take a first aid course?
Yes. None of these courses needs a diving certification, so a partner, a friend or a family member who doesn't dive can join. SSI's minimum age for React Right is 12.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a first aid certification valid for divers?
SSI states React Right is valid for two years after it is issued. PADI's Rescue Diver course needs Emergency First Response training from the past 24 months, and SSI Diver Stress & Rescue needs current first aid, CPR and oxygen-provider training within two years.
Does my work first aid course count?
It depends on the agency and on what the course covered. SSI asks for current first aid, CPR and oxygen-provider training within two years; bring your certificate and we check it against the standard before the rescue course.
Is there any diving on a first aid course?
No. The course is taught on land, with CPR manikins, bandages and an oxygen unit. No diving certification is needed.
Can I do the first aid course and Rescue Diver course in the same week?
Yes. Allow time for the full first aid programme before rescue certification: SSI recommends 8–12 hours for full React Right. We plan it with the 2–4 rescue training days when you book.
Questions before you dive with us?
Message our team on WhatsApp — we're divers in Hurghada and happy to help.
Chat with us on WhatsAppSources
- React Right (training standards) — SSI (Scuba Schools International)
- Rescue Diver course — PADI
- Diver Stress & Rescue — SSI (Scuba Schools International)
- Divemaster course — SDI (Scuba Diving International)
- Diver Stress & Rescue: emergency-care prerequisites — SSI