I love the outdoors and enjoy solo hiking as well as
hiking in groups. So I was psyched when the Northeast Peak Baggers Meetup Group
offered the SOLO WFA (Wilderness First Aid) certification course hosted by
JUMP, Inc! I signed up and paid my online deposit right away to ensure my
place. I was also happy that the course was held less than an hour's drive from
me. I quickly checked the SOLO (Stonehearth Open Learning Opportunities) website
and started to worry when I read the long list of course topics that would be
covered over two days. It was an extensive list but when I got to the class that
first day, it was evident I'd have no problems.
The SOLO WFA course was designed for the outdoor
enthusiasts, providing skills and knowledge in case an emergency should arise. As
a WFA provider, medical emergencies must be quickly evaluated, and care administered
as the closest and fastest medical response can sometimes be hours if not, days
away. The application of Wilderness First Aid can make the difference for an
injured patient chances of survival and comfort.
Taught by John
Kascenska of Kingdom Adventures Mountain Guides, John was very organized, thorough and funny.
Course manuals were handed out first thing on the first day. There were 19
students in the course and they ranged from the early 20's to 55+! All were
outdoor enthusiasts who loved an array of outdoor sports from hiking, biking, backpacking
to skiing.
The SOLO WFA course was hosted by JUMP, Inc (Just Understand My
Potential) at the Leominster Boys & Girls Club. The clubhouse is
situated in a former private school on conservation land, with some parts of
the surrounding grounds still under construction.
The course is 16 hours and over the course of two days we
covered topics such as Response & Assessment, Musculoskeletal Injuries,
Environmental Emergencies & Survival Skills, Soft Tissue Injuries &
Medical Emergency. There were in-class lectures, role playing and outdoor
rescue exercises throughout the two days. To say that this course is jam-packed
is an understatement.
We worked in groups on many exercises, repeating them
several times while alternating practicing on all the members in our
groups. I especially enjoyed working
outside on simulated rescue exercises.
The Hypowrap - Human Burrito!
Transfers & Carries
Lifting & Moving
Patient Assessment
Bandaging Skills
Under the microscope
One of the most important skills I learned was
improvising. For example, I learned how to create splints using the materials I
had in my backpack as well as with materials found in the outdoors. I also had
the opportunity (pleasure?) to play the "patient" during several of
the exercises.
Improvising leg splint (3)
My right leg in a splint
I've also learned about what to pack and have updated my personal
first aid kit to include Cravats (Triangular Bandages), Burn Gel, SAM Splints, Rescue
Key Shield (disposal CPR Mask) and Nitrile Gloves.
The CPR/AED Certification Course (American Heart
Association) was also available so I signed up for it. This was taught after
the first day of the SOLO WFA course. We learned how to administer CPR and were
given direction on how to use the AED (Automated External Defibrillator).
CPR Dummy
Lunch was included with the price and provided by Bill Spacciapoli
of JUMP, Inc. Bill cooked a mean vegetarian Chili and brought in Panera Bread
sandwiches for the first day. The second day Bill brought in Pizza. Coffee, bottled
water and snacks were provided for both days.
Bill S. in the kitchen
At the end of the second day, John passed out our SOLO
WFA and AHA-CPR/AED certificate cards. We also filled out a feedback form and
he suggested Chinook Medical Gear for supplies
for our First Aid kits.
Overall, this was an outstanding course! I highly
recommend this course especially if you spend a great deal of time outdoors. This
was an inspiring two days and I anxiously await for the Advanced WFA! It was a
pleasure working and learning alongside Allison and Anne of The Northeast Peak
Baggers Meetup Group, as well as the other students. Special thanks go to John Kascenska and Bill Spacciapoli
for an exceptional weekend of learning!
Links of Interest:
SOLO Wilderness Medicine
American Heart Association Heartsaver CPR/AED
JUMP, Inc (Just Understand My Potential)
Bill Spacciapoli
John Kascenska
Kingdom Adventures Mountain Guides
Northeast Peak Baggers Meetup Group
Chinook Medical Gear
One Woman, 48 4000-footers (Allison's blog)
SoapNote iPhone/iPad App
