Upcoming Course Information:

American Red Cross

Wilderness and Remote First Aid

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 gives you the skills you need to respond to an emergency when help may be delayed.

This class covers assessment and urgent first aid techniques. Basic first aid skills are covered as well as wilderness specific treatments. Participants must posses current certification in adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation/automated external defibrillator (CPR/AED) through the Red Cross or an equivalent course.

Certification can be issued that has an expiration of 2 years and serves as a Basic First Aid certification as well. We recommended a minimum age of 17 for participants due to the serious nature of the course and scenarios.

Course Information:  A winter course is currently scheduled for Saturday & Sunday January 12th & 13th, 2013.   It will take place at the 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. Course participants receive the American Red Cross Wilderness and Remote First Aid Emergency Reference Guide, a full-color manual designed for use in the class and as an important reference after training is complete. Participants also receive a handy fold-out first aid pocket guide for reference in the field. This compact light weight guide is weather- and tear-resistant and fits easily into a pocket of a shirt, cargo pants or a backpack.

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:

• Course Introduction
• Wilderness & Remote First Aid Kits
• Primary and Secondary Assessment
• Emergency action steps:  Check, Call, Care
• Checking the scene, patient, and resources
• Contacting Help
• Treatment of conditions including:

o       Shock and Heart Attack

o        Chest Injuries

o        Head, Neck and Spinal Injuries

o        Wounds & Wound Infection

o        Bone & Joint Injuries

o        Burns

o        Abdominal Illnesses

o        Hypothermia

o        Heat Related Ilnesses

o        Lightning

o        Altitude Illnesses

o        Submersion Incidents

o        Allergies & Anaphylaxis

• 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.