Trip Report: Wilderness First Aid (WFA) Training-Hybrid Format
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Wilderness First Aid (WFA) Training-Hybrid Format By Steph Stamm |
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| CLIMBING | 07/13/2025 | NTD- |
| WMC once again partnered with AdventureMed to offer the Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course, designed to prepare individuals to respond to a range of medical situations in the backcountry. The course was a hybrid format, including 8 hours of online training modules, an online exam, and an all-day training at the WMC Lodge at Brighton. The first part of the in-person training focused on practicing skills. First, we improvised splints and bandages, such as using a jacket to immobilize an injured arm, creating a litter by alternating warm and dry layers (i.e. rain jacket and then sleeping bag), and using a trekking pole or sleeping pad to stabilize an injured leg. Next, we moved onto some practice scenarios. In one, we came upon a confused, shivering person who wandered away from an ice climbing event. While the initial symptoms presented as "obvious" hypothermia, as we continued our assessment, it became clear that the individual was suffering from a diabetic attack - requiring a very different treatment. In another, we came upon a hiker at Lake Blanche who had been stung by a bee, and was allergic (and thankfully carrying 2 epipens). Until this scenario, we'd been methodically plodding through our patient assessments, but this situation required us to act fast and call for an evacuation. We learned principles for planning an evacuation, particularly when using an SOS device, like a Garmin inReach. Contrary to popular belief, pressing the SOS button does not immediately deploy a helicopter. It only begins a conversation with emergency personnel. So if you are in a situation that has the potential to become an emergency, consider hitting the SOS button sooner rather than later to begin that conversation. It takes time to get emergency services ramped up; starting the conversation early can get a rescue underway quickly, once you need it. Anne, Brian, Bridget, Kathleen, Lucy, David, Shelly and Steph all received their Wilderness First Aid and CPR certificates on July 15. |
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