Wilderness First Aid / Wilderness EMT Upgrade

"Wilderness First Aid is a comprehensive lesson in how to react, respond, and save life in remote, life-threatening situations." 

 

Providing primary care in bad weather with non-standard equipment and coping with long term care and evacuation: Wilderness First Aid places these issues first and foremost.

Lecture and discussion, practical exercise and outdoor scenarios help students gain confidence, and encourage the development of critical decision making skills.

This two-day, 18 hour class is designed for trip leaders, camp counselors, and outdoor enthusiasts. No previous experience is required. We provide an in-depth introduction to patient assessment, musculoskeletal and soft tissue injuries, splinting, and a variety of other topics.

Day 1

• Emergency Management
• Patient Assessment
• Musculoskeletal Injuries
• Splinting
• Dislocations

Day 2

• Soft Tissue Injuries
• Shock
• Diabetes
• Head Injuries
• Heat and Cold Related Illness
• Asthma and Anaphylaxis

Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician Upgrade

• PREREQUISITE
  The prerequisite for certification at the Wilderness EMT level is a current EMT certification (either basic, intermediate or paramedic). PA's, RN's and MD's may also participate in the course for a Wilderness EMT Audit card. Others with medical backgrounds (eg. military medics, EMT's with expired licences, and foreign pre-hospital personnel) will be admitted to the course on a case by case basis.

  Students must be at least 16 years of age to participate in this course (16 and 17 year olds must have proof of parental consent).

• CERTIFICATIONS AVAILABLE
  All EMTs who successfully complete the WEMT course will receive a certification card. Non-EMTs who successfully complete the course will receive a Wilderness EMT Audit card. Certifications and Audits remain valid for three years.

  Within three years, graduates may recertify the Wilderness portion of their certification (provided their EMT license is current) by way of a 16 hour Recertification course, a 36 hour Wilderness Advanced First Aid course, or a 16 hour Wilderness First Aid course in conjunction with a Recertification Authorization Package. To renew their EMT license they must follow the procedures and requirements of the issuing state.

  Many state and regional EMA offices have approved the WEMT Upgrade course for continuing education credit. Students are responsible for obtaining prior approval and filing all appropriate paperwork with his or her local EMS office.

• CLASS FORMAT
  54 hours, over 6 days. Days-off may be added.

  Mornings are devoted to lectures and exams.

  Afternoons are devoted to practical hands-on sessions and video taped simulations*.

  Evenings are reserved for study and assignments.

  * Expect two or three emergency rescue simulations with made-up victims and stage blood that will be video-taped for enhanced learning.

• CONTENT
  Topics include the new wilderness protocols, trauma management for extended periods, equipment improvisation, environmental emergencies, backcountry medicine, and wilderness rescue.
• TEXTS
  The cost of the course includes a book of lecture handouts, a workbook, SOAP notes, The Wilderness Medical Associates WEMT Textbook and The Wilderness Medical Associates Field Guide.
• BRING
  Appropriate clothing for the location and time of year. Remember that, rain or shine, much of our time is spent outside. You will also need a sleeping bag, pens, and a notebook.
• GRADES
  Grades are based on attendance (100% required), course participation and performance on both written and practical final exams. To pass, students must have a cumulative average of 80% or better.

  Not everyone passes this course!

 

Day 1......... 10.5 hours
Morning Session	Afternoon Session
Introduction/Registration	Circulatory System
General Concepts	ALS / BLS Equipment
ALS /BLS - Part 1	Patient Assessment System
	Case Studies
Day 2......... 9.25 hours
Morning Session	Afternoon Session
Quiz / Review	Dislocations
Respiratory System	Splints 1 - Extremities
Nervous System	Case Studies
Wounds and Burns
Miscellaneous
Fractures and Stable Injuries
Day 3......... 8.75 hours
Morning Session	Afternoon Session
Quiz and Review	Splints 2 - Spine
General Principles of Trauma	Litter Packaging
Toxins, Bites and Stings	Case Studies
Medical Supplies and Rescue Equipment
Lifting, Moving and Extrication
Day 4......... 9.25 hours
Morning Session	Afternoon Session
Quiz and Review	Frostbite and Cold Injuries
Allergies and Anaphylaxis	Litter Carries
Hypothermia	Simulation 1
ALS / BLS - Part 2	Case Studies
Hyperthermia and Heat Illness
Near Drowning
Day 5......... 8.25 hours
Morning Session	Afternoon Session
Quiz and Review	Improvised Litter
Lightning	Simulation 2
Sun	Case Studies
Altitude or Diving
Patient Carries
Day 6......... 8.0 hours
Morning Session	Afternoon Session
Medical and Legal Issues	Case Studies (Final)
Personal Preparedness	Simulation 3 (Final)
Search and Rescue	Final Exam

Class Dates: TBA

Class Cost