Take a Wilderness First Aid Course
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Tom Severin
Wilderness First Aid
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Wilderness First Aid
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Canadian Ski Patrol Training
One of the more valuable courses I’ve taken is a wilderness first responder course. It’s geared toward folks like me who want to become certified first responders, but it offers a lot of good information for the average driver, as well. In my opinion everyone should take a class like this. Even if you never expect to be in a wilderness context, it is well worth the effort.
“But, I have a first aid kit in my vehicle,” you say. Great. Do you know how to use all the materials properly? More importantly, do you know how to handle serious injuries, such as:
Serious bleeding
Traumatic brain injury
Possible spine damage
Ankle sprains and strains
Broken bones
Heat exhaustion and stroke
Asthma
Bee sting creating Anaphylaxis
A wilderness first responder class takes a “system of the body approach.” You study cause and effect, and avoid a lot of rote memorization. That’s a much better way to learn.
One part teaches that there are only three things that cause death after any accident or illness. You are taught to focus on them and take appropriate action.
It’s a very intense course requiring a lot of commitment, but the benefit is great. Knowing that you can respond appropriately to nearly any injury allows you to go outdoors with confidence. Keep in mind that you don’t have to be in a wilderness area – defined as being more than two hours from definitive care – to face such an emergency.
The Canadian Red Cross offers 20-hour Wilderness & Remote First Aid Course, check out http://www.redcross.ca and Wilderness Medical Associates offers a number of programs of varying intensity http://www.wildmed.ca/. If you have time in the winter you can act as a volunteer ski patrol and their training is excellent, plus you get to ski - www.csps.ca. A Google search for Canadian Wilderness Training will no doubt show courses available near you from these and other organizations.
Safety is no accident, as the old saying goes. Despite the best preparation, accidents can occur outdoors. Sometimes they are serious. If you are serious about being prepared, a wilderness first responder course is for you.
Tom Severin, 4x4 Coach, teaches 4WD owners how to confidently and safely use their vehicles to the fullest extent in difficult terrain and adverse driving conditions. Visit www.4x4training.com to develop or improve your driving skill.