First responders

First Responders should get Our highest praise and financial support.

Would you be much help in a wilderness accident? Should it be our responsibility to your group and outside your group to know at least the basics of various situations of what to do? I think so.

You ever think before your trip what I would do if certain scenario's happened?

I am a certified Red Cross CPR/First Aid instructor. I think about various scenarios, necessary supplies, and how to avoid needing to use those skills often, both at work and at play. I was involved in a wilderness rescue a while back (2010ish) and feel my skills were helpful in that scenario, although the group I helped already had one very knowledgeable person involved.

I have not taken the Wilderness level classes but will at some point just to have more tools available to draw upon if ever needed. In my opinion, all groups should have the “what would I do” talk before and during their trips so people can be at least partially prepared and confident in their skills.

naturboy12: "I am a certified Red Cross CPR/First Aid instructor. I think about various scenarios, necessary supplies, and how to avoid needing to use those skills often, both at work and at play. I was involved in a wilderness rescue a while back (2010ish) and feel my skills were helpful in that scenario, although the group I helped already had one very knowledgeable person involved.


I have not taken the Wilderness level classes but will at some point just to have more tools available to draw upon if ever needed. In my opinion, all groups should have the “what would I do” talk before and during their trips so people can be at least partially prepared and confident in their skills. "

agree -the what would I do” talk is very important.

In 2012 I took a WFR course at the outward bound in Ely. Already a first responder it was I thought a great course to go through. A situation in our responding at home we’re basically just that, first responders and within minutes usually of us getting there we have EMT’s directing and such. In a wilderness setting you may be required to be with someone for longer. I totally enjoyed the scenarios and the making do with what you normally have.
I highly recommend any training you can get like first aid or otherwise. But if you do, take it serious and really soak it in. They throw a lot at ya in their allotted time.

I have taken the NOLS Wilderness First Aid 2 day course. The best part of the course is that it teaches you to think outside of the box on treating injuries.

The instructor summed the course up like this: The purpose of the course is for you to make the decision between "stay and play" or "exfil". That pretty much sums up why it is important to take such a course. It give you the knowledge to determine if you can treat an injury and finish the trip. . . .or if you need to triage the injury and "push the button" and wait for the rescue.

We have 3 men that go with us each year that have taken the course. Best investment I have made for BWCA preps.

Basswood rescue

I agree with getting all the training you can on dealing with medical emergencies. After spending 28 years hiring and working with new EMTs and first responders, the one thing I would add to the training is, experience. You can usually get that by volunteering with an ambulance company. Most have ride along programs. Experience helps your training make more sense.

I'm a retired paramedic. I bring a first aid kit to handle just about anything. But the most important thing to bring and use are life jackets.

Canoe42: "I'm a retired paramedic. I bring a first aid kit to handle just about anything. But the most important thing to bring and use are life jackets."

+1 We really only have one rule for the groups we bring up each fall. PFDs on and secured... every time anyone is on the water. No exceptions, even in warmer temps.

I just renewed my CPR training last week. Always good practice.