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
This course includes additional freediving-specific first aid modules developed by Underwater Academy.
Yes. It is useful for anyone who wants to learn first aid.
Yes. You will receive the official PADI EFR certification plus an Underwater Academy certificate.
Very practical. It focuses heavily on real-life simulations and hands-on training.
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