Wilderness First Aid – Up Your Game!

wilderness first aid students examine patient

Wilderness first aid allows you to help yourself and others during a wilderness emergency.  Photo courtesy of Foster Calm.

 

When we roam in wilderness, we are often far from medical care.  So if we, or a member of our party becomes sick or injured, we need to keep cool and act promptly. 

Remaining calm and taking the right action comes from training.  So you should consider taking a wilderness first aid class.  Finding a wilderness first aid class is often the hardest part of learning to look after yourself.  The classes are poorly advertised and you need to make an effort to find one.  Make the effort!  It might just save your life.

 

Lending a Hand

I dropped by a local wilderness first aid class to lend a hand.  The class is taught by Bobbie Foster, of Foster Calm.  Bobbie is one of the top instructors in my area.  And volunteering helps me keep sharp between re-certifications (every three years).

Classes have both lectures and hands-on practice.  Here are some photos of the class practicing realistic scenarios.

 

wilderness first aid students examine patient

The class breaks up into groups so each student spends time as both the rescuer and the patient.  Photo courtesy of Foster Calm.

 

wilderness first aid students examine patient

Students practice realistic scenarios.  Patients don’t always fall conveniently on their backs.  Photo courtesy of Foster Calm.

 

wilderness first aid students examine patient

Students learn to protect patients from the elements while they render care.  Photo courtesy of Foster Calm.

 

wilderness first aid students examine patient

Students immobilize the spine of a trauma patient.  Photo courtesy of Foster Calm.

 

wilderness first aid students examine patient

Students practice realistic scenarios.  This patient rolled against a tree when he fell.  Photo courtesy of Foster Calm.

 

wilderness first aid students examine patient

Students learn to splint broken bones using both manufactured and improvised materials.  Photo courtesy of Foster Calm.

 

No Excuses – Just Do it!

When you venture into wilderness areas, you should have the skills to look after yourself.  It’s an element of self-reliance often missing from our modern existence.  Wilderness First Aid allows you to help yourself and others during a wilderness emergency.  And the ability to care for yourself if you become sick or injured is one of the skills you should cultivate.

It’s never too late to begin learning wilderness medicine.  Start by taking a basic CPR class from your local Red Cross.  Then look for a reputable teacher to obtain either a 16-hour Wilderness First Aid certification, or the more comprehensive 80-hour Wilderness First Responder training.

You owe it to yourself and your loved ones to know how to take care of yourself if you become sick or injured.  So up your game!  Take a wilderness first aid class now – It can save your life!

 

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