7 divers, as follows, from Athlone Sub Aqua Club have successfully completed a Diver First Responder (DFR) course on Sunday 16^th May 2010: 

• Brian Duffy
• Geraldine Fogarty
• Aidan Henry
• Anne Marie McMahon
• Deborah Riley
• Michael Tuohy
• Declan Walsh

This course equips divers with the necessary knowledge and skills to administer first aid treatment to a victim of a diving accident. DFR certified divers are also qualified to apply CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and use an AED (automatic external defibrillator) in the case of emergency.

In addition to obtaining a DFR qualification these divers also receive a PHECC  (Pre – Hospital Emergency Care Council) certificate.

Although diving accidents are very rare divers nevertheless have to be suitably trained to react to any emergency situation.