March is Red Cross Month
Western Colorado Chapter American Red Cross
   

Wilderness First Aid

We live in the Colorado Wilderness…let's enjoy it safely!

Wildnerss First AidThis 16 hour course is for those who work, live or play in remote areas - away from the usual EMS service. Even though the emergency workers near these areas may be trained to search for and rescue those in need, there may be a delay in the notification for assistance, the time required to get to the patient, or in moving the patient to more advanced treatment. The course expands the concepts in First Aid: When Help is Delayed to give more detailed information and hands-on skills practice.

Wilderness First AidThis class covers assessment and urgent first aid techniques, but not in-depth CPR. Basic first aid skills are covered, making this course appropriate for anyone regardless of experience level. No prerequisites are required.

A certification can be issued that has an expiration of 3 years and serves as a Basic First Aid certification as well. A minimum age of 15 is recommended for participants due to the serious nature of the course and scenarios.
 The American Camping Association has approved the American Red Cross Wilderness First Aid Basics for the Part C First Aider in their accreditation standards. The Boy Scouts of America have also recommended this Red Cross course.
 Materials Provided:

  • Wilderness First Aid Basics Student Guide
  • Mountaineering First Aid Text
  • First Aid: When Help is Delayed Participant Booklet
Course Outline
  • Types of Delayed-help Situations
    • Wilderness First Aid
  • Emergency Action Steps - Check, Call, Care - in these situations
  • Checking the scene, patient, and resources
  • Contacting help
  • Caring for the patient long term
  • Patient assessment and Record
  • Preventing Disease Transmission
  • Prioritizing Care
  • Carrying Out the Plan
  • Deciding to Evacuate
  • Treatment of injuries such as:
    1. Wounds
    2. Head and Spinal Injuries
    3. Extremity Injuries
    4. Abdominal Injuries
    5. Sudden Illnesses
    6. Major Bites and Stings
    7. Other types of backcountry miseries

Wilderness First Aid Basics Schedule *

Date
 Time
 Location
None scheduled at this time

* Registration is required at least four days prior to class.

Contact lyons@arcwcc.org for registration information or phone 970-242-4851.

Together We Can Save a Life

American Red Cross, Western Colorado Chapter
506 Gunnison Avenue
Grand Junction, CO 81501
Phone:  970-242-4851
Fax   970-241-2337
Email:  chapter@arcwcc.org