Dive Medical Technician Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the dynamic world of marine medicine, the role of dive medical technicians has never been more essential.

As the medical field continues to evolve, so does the demand for skilled professionals who can respond, diagnose, and treat underwater medical emergencies.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s really expected of a dive medical technician?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to unravel the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager formulating the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply fascinated by the unique profession of dive medicine,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we introduce a versatile dive medical technician job description template, crafted for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive in.

Dive Medical Technician Duties and Responsibilities

Dive Medical Technicians (DMTs) are responsible for providing emergency medical treatment and conducting hyperbaric chamber operations for commercial or military divers.

They have an array of duties and responsibilities, including:

• Evaluate the health status of potential divers before they are allowed to dive
• Administer emergency medical treatment in case of diving accidents or illnesses
• Operate and maintain hyperbaric chambers to administer recompression therapy to divers
• Monitor divers while they are under pressure to detect any signs of decompression illness
• Provide first aid care for injuries that may occur during diving operations
• Administer oxygen therapy to divers if required
• Assist in the diagnosis and treatment of diving-related medical conditions
• Maintain records of all diving activities and medical treatments provided
• Coordinate with medical professionals for advanced medical assistance if needed
• Ensure safety protocols are followed during diving operations
• Conduct regular checks on diving equipment to ensure it is in working condition

 

Dive Medical Technician Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a highly skilled Dive Medical Technician to provide primary and emergency care to professional divers.

The Dive Medical Technician is expected to carry out clinical duties and diving medical surveillance under the supervision of a qualified medical practitioner.

Our ideal candidate is knowledgeable about diving physiology and diving medicine and can respond promptly and efficiently to diving injuries and other medical emergencies.

Ultimately, the role of the Dive Medical Technician is to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of divers during underwater operations.

 

Responsibilities

• Administering primary and emergency medical care to divers
• Conducting pre and post-dive medical checks
• Maintaining medical equipment and supplies
• Keeping accurate and detailed patient records
• Monitoring divers’ health and fitness
• Collaborating with the diving team and medical practitioners
• Advising divers on health and safety precautions
• Managing cases of decompression illness
• Staying current with latest advancements in diving medicine

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Dive Medical Technician
• Certification as a Dive Medical Technician from a recognized institution
• Excellent knowledge of diving physiology and diving medicine
• Ability to respond appropriately during medical emergencies
• Good physical fitness and ability to pass a diving medical examination
• Experience with hyperbaric treatments is a plus
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work as part of a team

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Dive Medical Technician
• Work Environment: Underwater and offshore settings. Ability to travel and live on-site for extended periods of time is required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Medical Director or Dive Safety Officer.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $65,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if offshore)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Dive Medical Technician Do?

Dive Medical Technicians primarily work in the field of underwater medicine, commonly associated with commercial diving, recreational scuba diving, and naval operations.

Their main role is to provide emergency medical treatment, either on the scene or in a clinical setting, to divers suffering from diving or decompression incidents.

They are skilled in advanced life support, trauma care, and hyperbaric treatment.

They perform pre-dive medical checks, ensuring that divers are fit and in good health before any dive.

They also advise divers on medical conditions that may affect their ability to dive safely.

Dive Medical Technicians assist in the planning and execution of safe diving operations by working closely with other diving professionals.

They often are responsible for the maintenance and operation of hyperbaric chambers used for treating decompression sickness.

Aside from emergency services, Dive Medical Technicians also conduct regular health screenings and provide health and safety training to divers and diving teams.

They also play a key role in research and development of diving medicine and hyperbaric therapies.

 

Dive Medical Technician Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Dive Medical Technician should possess a combination of specific technical knowledge, practical skills and personal attributes, such as:

• Comprehensive knowledge of diving medicine, including the understanding of diving physics, physiology and the management of diving accidents and illnesses.
• Practical skills in handling diving-related medical emergencies, providing basic life support, administering oxygen and using hyperbaric equipment.
• Strong interpersonal skills for effective communication with patients and other medical professionals. This includes the ability to remain calm under pressure and to deliver clear instructions or advice.
• Physical fitness and the ability to swim, as the role may require active participation in rescue operations and work in challenging environments.
• Problem-solving skills to quickly assess patients, identify medical issues, and determine appropriate treatments or interventions.
• Attention to detail in order to accurately document patient information, medical treatments and diving incidents.
• Ability to operate advanced medical equipment and perform medical procedures under challenging conditions.

 

Dive Medical Technician Experience Requirements

Dive Medical Technicians often start their careers with a background in diving, emergency medical training, or nursing.

They are required to have a professional level scuba certification and at least 2 to 3 years of diving experience.

Their medical knowledge is usually gained through a formal education in paramedicine or nursing.

Some may also have experience as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic.

It’s essential for them to be well-versed with advanced medical procedures, first aid, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have a broader understanding of diving physiology, decompression theory, and the ability to manage diving accidents or illnesses.

Those with more than 5 years of experience in the field are usually adept at conducting physical exams, interpreting medical tests, and providing medical consultation to divers.

They might also have experience leading dive teams or managing medical facilities, making them suitable for supervisory or managerial roles.

In-depth knowledge about diving equipment and hyperbaric chambers is also expected from experienced Dive Medical Technicians.

 

Dive Medical Technician Education and Training Requirements

Dive Medical Technicians typically have a high school diploma or equivalent.

The next step is to become a certified scuba diver from a recognized training agency such as the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) or Scuba Schools International (SSI).

Further, they should complete a Dive Medical Technician training course from an accredited institution.

This comprehensive program provides both theoretical knowledge and practical skills including physics of diving, diving related medical emergencies, treatment procedures, and chamber operations.

Upon successful completion of the course, they are required to earn a certification as a Dive Medical Technician from a recognized professional association like the National Board of Diving and Hyperbaric Medical Technology (NBDHMT).

In addition to these, it can be beneficial to gain certifications in Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).

For those aspiring to advance their careers, further study in a related field such as paramedicine, nursing, or hyperbaric medicine can be beneficial.

Finally, experience in diving and medical emergencies is highly valued in this field.

This can be gained through on-the-job training, internships, or volunteer work.

 

Dive Medical Technician Salary Expectations

A Dive Medical Technician can expect to earn an average salary of $45,000 (USD) per year.

However, the actual salary can differ based on factors such as experience, the complexity of the dive operations, geographical location, and the hiring organization.

 

Dive Medical Technician Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Dive Medical Technician need?

Dive Medical Technicians should have a strong knowledge of diving medicine and emergency medical care.

They should also have good physical stamina, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to work well under pressure.

Excellent communication skills are needed to relay patient conditions to healthcare professionals and to provide clear instructions to patients.

 

Do Dive Medical Technicians need a degree?

Most Dive Medical Technicians require certification from a recognized diving medicine school or program.

While a specific degree may not be required, a background in healthcare, such as a nursing or paramedic qualification, is often beneficial.

Additional training in hyperbaric medicine is also recommended.

 

What should you look for in a Dive Medical Technician resume?

Firstly, confirm the candidate holds a certification from a recognized diving medicine school or program.

It is also important to check for additional qualifications related to healthcare or emergency medicine.

Experience in diving and understanding of dive physiology and decompression theory is key.

You should also look for any experience in extreme or remote environments, as well as any additional training in hyperbaric medicine.

 

What qualities make a good Dive Medical Technician?

A good Dive Medical Technician should be able to handle emergency situations calmly and efficiently.

They should have a keen attention to detail and a strong understanding of diving physiology and medicine.

Good physical condition is necessary as the job often involves physically demanding tasks.

Excellent interpersonal skills are also important as they will often work in close-knit teams and need to communicate effectively with patients.

 

Is it difficult to hire Dive Medical Technicians?

Hiring Dive Medical Technicians can be challenging due to the specialized nature of their skills and the physical demands of the job.

It is important to offer a competitive compensation package and consider additional benefits such as training opportunities or flexible work schedules.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we dove deep into the ocean of knowledge about what it truly takes to be a dive medical technician.

Guess what?

It’s not just about diving and providing medical care.

It’s about navigating the depths of human health in challenging environments, one dive at a time.

Armed with our practical dive medical technician job description template and real-world examples, you’re geared up to make your next move.

But why halt your journey here?

Submerge further with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for crafting precise job listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every dive is a step towards a healthier and safer underwater world.

Let’s explore that world. Together.

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