“Traditional” First Aid vs “Wilderness” First Aid Course

[rustednuts]

I have done WFA & WFR. The wilderness courses expose you to things you are more likely to encounter in wild beyond the golden hour. Puncture wounds, burns, environmental injuries, and need to splint and move a patient when walking is a requirement to get out. In the wilderness the option to call 911 and get to the hospital isn't available. You want to be able to stabilize a patient for a minimum of 4-8 hours even if you have pushed the SOS button.

I had to call search and rescue on the top of Crested Butte resort one summer and even with the roads and being able to drive almost directly to us it took 2-3 hours for them to come and provide help.

 

[INMT]

Do the WFA you won’t regret it. I took my first course with AERIE Backcountry Medicine in 2004 and have been refreshing it ever since.

It’s like apples to oranges compared to basic red cross first aid.

Look into AERIE.

 

[Wild Bill]

I just finished a First Aid/CPR/AED class at work today. This course was through the NSC and it is a pretty good course. I’ve taken this course and a couple others (can’t recall through who). I think most basic courses like the one I took will give the average person a very good crash course into the subject and gives them enough of a tool box to aid as necessary. Obviously everything is different in the backcountry, and each situation can turn hairy quick. I think any formal training is worth it. More specialized classes probably add more nuance and context, which can’t hurt.
I’m suprised at how many people have no idea how to handle even the most basic emergency situation.