Wed, Nov 28 2007, Sat, Dec 1 2007 - Backcountry Emergency First Aid (View Original Event Details)
| Event Coordinator(s): |  |
Rhonda S, Carol G
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| Participants: | | Kevin V, Veronique L, Mike W, Karin S, Enrique C, Martine P, Beth, Phyllis |
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Write Up:There’s nothing like -18 C temperatures to make you realize the importance of trip planning and back country emergency management.
After completing four hours of theory on Wednesday evening we met at Kamp Kiwanis on Saturday to do some practical back country emergency management We covered scenarios such as sprains or fractures, concussion / unconscious person, medical problems such as asthma or heart problems, and shelter and fire building to name a few. It became very clear that on top of the injury/incident, weather and cold will very quickly compound the situation.
We covered how to manage incidents; first aid primary and secondary assessments; bandaging, splinting, casualty care; how to build a stretcher; and how to make a shelter and start a fire if evacuation is not possible. Chances are, depending on where you are, how far from the trail head, how late in the day and the nature of the injury you may not be able to get the injured person out and you will have to wait for help to reach you.
I think there was great learning around trip planning, planning an alternative activity in case of adverse weather conditions, equipment preparation, and managing those incidents that eventually come up.
It was a great day despite the cool temperatures.
