Danlessen

Danlessen is a term used in Dutch to denote training that focuses on medical emergency response and safety in scuba diving, typically delivered through Divers Alert Network (DAN) and its partners. The aim is to provide divers and dive professionals with skills to prevent, recognize, and respond to diving-related medical problems, and to facilitate prompt access to appropriate care. DAN courses cover topics such as primary care and CPR, management of dive injuries, and the use of supplemental oxygen for suspected decompression illness or other conditions arising during a dive. Additional modules may address automated external defibrillator (AED) use, scene management, and emergency planning for dive boat operations or remote locations.

DAN maintains standards for its courses, which are taught by certified instructors around the world. In many markets, DAN courses are offered as standalone classes or as part of broader first-aid or dive-medicine curricula, sometimes in conjunction with other recreational-diving agencies. Prerequisites typically include basic scuba certification and medical fitness verification; some courses require completion of online theory before in-person sessions.

The purpose of danlessen is not to replace local emergency services but to improve on-site recognition and initial management, especially in situations where professional help is delayed. DAN’s materials also provide diver-specific medical information and a 24/7 emergency assistance network for members and participating dive centers.