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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Listening Point - General Discussion :: Wildeness First Aid-what do you really know
 
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MHS67
03/19/2023 09:49PM
 
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.
 
schweady
03/20/2023 09:12AM
 
I just renewed my CPR training last week. Always good practice.

 
MHS67
03/24/2023 10:35AM
 
I don't know about any one else, but my worst fear is to happen upon a emergency situation, any kind, and not know what to do!
 
Pinetree
03/24/2023 12:31PM
 
MHS67: "I don't know about anyone else, but my worst fear is to happen upon an emergency situation, any kind, and not know what to do! "


I agree but I know you are way ahead of just about everyone else.
It did help me a lot of having training every year or other year thru my employer=the State of Mn. DNR. I think repetitive training over the years helped.


Wonder how many families someone have trained in emergency care. I think like Boy Scouts who guide out of the moose lake center must have training.
 
Pinetree
03/23/2023 10:51AM
 
I wonder how many people even have a simple first aid kit?
It would be interesting if they had part of your film orientation to go to the BWCA to have at least a 5-minute about what if a segment or even a handout to get people thinking.
 
JimmyJustice
03/23/2023 03:23PM
 
I have taken a two day Wilderness First Aid course a couple of times now. Most recently about 3 years ago. It included Red Cross certification. I retain a bit more information each time but still don't have all the acronyms down. Alas, I hope I never have to find out how much information I did not retain. Well worth the time...I am glad I took one weekend out of my year to hopefully gain useful (potentially life saving) information!
 
wyopaddler
03/25/2023 08:42AM
 
Wilderness First Aid
 
Pinetree
03/18/2023 10:40AM
 
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?
 
Pinetree
03/18/2023 02:01PM
 
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.
 
Canoe42
03/20/2023 08:10AM
 
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.
 
ockycamper
03/20/2023 08:29AM
 
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.
 
YetiJedi
03/24/2023 10:33PM
 
Important topic. Good suggestion above to consider how to incorporate at least some element of basic first aid into the prep materials. Also thought the note about regular training matters. I've taken a few first aid trainings, certified in CPR, attended an emergency wilderness class, etc...but not on a regular basis. Still time before the snow melts. :)
 
naturboy12
03/18/2023 12:22PM
 
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.
 
ockycamper
03/18/2023 06:31PM
 
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.
 
nctry
03/18/2023 06:23PM
 
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.
 
Pinetree
03/18/2023 08:21PM
 
Basswood rescue
 
Pinetree
03/18/2023 10:39AM
 
First responders