Category: PADI Freediving Programs and Experiences

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PADI Emergency First Response (EFR) + Freediving First Aid

The PADI Emergency First Response (EFR) course by Underwater Academy Europe is one of the most essential training programs for personal and public safety, both in and out of the water.

Unlike the standard PADI Emergency First Response Primary & Secondary Care course, this program includes practical first aid sessions specifically designed for freedivers, developed by the Underwater Academy training and research team.

This makes the course more complete, realistic, and directly applicable to real freediving situations.

Course Overview

The course combines:

  • official PADI EFR training
  • advanced practical sessions
  • realistic emergency simulations
  • freediving-specific scenarios

During the course, you will cover:

  • Primary Care (CPR)
  • Secondary Care (First Aid)
  • CPR techniques
  • AED (Automated External Defibrillator) use
  • emergency response management

🔴 Exclusive additional training:

  • freediving incident management
  • rescue of a distressed freediver
  • specific safety protocols
  • blackout and loss of motor control (LMC) management

Participation Requirements

Minimum Age

👉 12 years old

Certification Required

👉 None

Requirements

👉 Good general health
👉 Interest in safety and first aid

Course Duration

👉 2–3 days

The course is structured to provide both theoretical knowledge and intensive practical training.

What the Course Includes

With Underwater Academy, the course includes:

  • official PADI EFR training
  • intensive practical sessions
  • realistic emergency simulations
  • freediving-specific modules
  • continuous instructor support
  • PADI EFR certification
  • Underwater Academy Freediving First Aid certificate

What You Will Learn

During the course, you will learn:

  • how to respond effectively in emergencies
  • CPR techniques
  • stress management in critical situations
  • proper use of an AED
  • freediving-specific emergency management
  • how to protect yourself and others

Course Locations

Courses organized by Underwater Academy Europe take place in:

📍 Malta
📍 Italy

Classroom-based training and controlled environments ensure high-quality learning.

Why Choose Underwater Academy

With Underwater Academy, this course becomes more than just a certification.

We offer:

  • real-world applicable training
  • unique integration of freediving and first aid
  • highly qualified instructors
  • realistic emergency scenarios

👉 This course is highly recommended for:

  • freedivers
  • scuba divers
  • anyone interested in safety training

Book the Course

Do you want to be prepared for any emergency?

👉 Book the course
👉 Request more information
👉 Contact Underwater Academy

FAQs

Is this course mandatory?
It is required for the PADI Rescue Diver course and highly recommended for all divers and freedivers.
What is the difference from the standard EFR course?

This course includes additional freediving-specific first aid modules developed by Underwater Academy.

Is it suitable for non-divers?

Yes. It is useful for anyone who wants to learn first aid.

Is the certification recognized?

Yes. You will receive the official PADI EFR certification plus an Underwater Academy certificate.

How practical is the course?

Very practical. It focuses heavily on real-life simulations and hands-on training.

Do I need previous first aid experience?

No. The course starts from the basics.

Continue Your Diving Journey

Related Programs

After completing the EFR course, you can continue with:

PADI Rescue Diver

Essential course for managing diving emergencies

Freediving Courses

Improve your skills and safety in apnea

Advanced Safety Training Dedicated practical training sessions