Upcoming Course Information:

American Red Cross

Wilderness First Aid Basics

This 16 hour course is for those who work, live or play in remote areas - away from the usual EMS service. Even though emergency workers near these areas may be trained to search for and rescue those in need, there may be an extended delay in obtaining these services.  This course addresses the needs in the time between the onset of the injury or illness and when more advanced treatment by trained providers occurs.

This class covers assessment and urgent first aid techniques, but not in-depth CPR. Basic first aid skills are covered, making this course appropriate for anyone regardless of experience level. No prerequisites are required.

Certification can be issued that has an expiration of 3 years and serves as a Basic First Aid certification as well. A minimum age of 18 is recommended for participants due to the serious nature of the course and scenarios.

The American Camping Association has approved the American Red Cross Wilderness First Aid Basics for the Part C First Aider in their accreditation standards. The Boy Scouts of America have also recommended this Red Cross course.

Course Information:  A late winter course is currently scheduled for March 6th &7th, 2010.   It will take place at Boulder Lake Environmental Learning Center www.boulderlake.org.  The course will run from 9:00am to 5:30pm each day.  The cost of this course is $100 per participant and includes all fees including certification, and the included texts: Wilderness First Aid Basics Student Guide, Mountaineering First Aid Text, and First Aid: When Help is Delayed Participant Booklet.  Please contact Boulder Lake Environmental Learning Center to sign up at boulder@d.umn.edu or by phone at 218-721-3731.  Be prepared for outdoor scenario training, portions of the course will be outside regardless of weather.  Please bring your own lunch, coffee and tea will be provided.  Also bring supplies you would normally bring on a day hike in the weather conditions that we will be working with.  These supplies will be used in a portion of the course which involves improvised medical equipment.

Course Outline:

• Types of delayed-help situations
• Emergency action steps:  Check, Call, Care
• Checking the scene, patient, and resources
• Contacting help
• Caring for the patient long-term
• Patient assessment and Record
• Preventing disease transmission
• Prioritizing care
• Treatment of injuries such as:

o        Wounds

o        Head and Spinal Injuries

o        Extremity Injuries

o        Abdominal Injuries

o        Sudden Illnesses

o        Major Bites and Stings

o        Other types of backcountry miseries

• Carrying out the plan
• Deciding to evacuate
• Improvisation techniques 

Teaching Techniques:

Classroom instruction, discussion and hands-on practical learning sessions are accompanied by outdoor scenario practice.  The information and materials above will all be applied in a number of outdoor, realistic scenarios.  These scenarios involve using real medical supplies and outdoor equipment to address simulated emergency situations. Participants will have the opportunity to act both as patients and responders, helping to provide a balanced view of what occurs in a wilderness medicine setting. Improvisation is strongly encouraged, and participants may choose to use and bring their own gear to supplement materials provided.

For more information regarding the course Email Cindy Haensel.

To sign up contact: Boulder Lake Environmental Learning Center  boulder@d.umn.edu or by phone at 218-721-3731.