Cape Ann Trail Stewards is sponsoring a 2-day Wilderness First Aid Certification Course put on by Stonehearth Open Learning Opportunities (SOLO), a company based in Conway, NH. The course will be held at Greenbelt's Cox Reservation Headquarters on Saturday, October 21 and Sunday, October 22.
This is a unique opportunity for local community members to receive comprehensive training in Wilderness First Aid at a minimal cost (CATS is paying instructor fees and travel expenses to keep participant costs at a minimum).
The course is a 16-hour training done over 2 days, from 9am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday. Participant cost is $110 per person, to be paid online at the time of registration. The course will be limited to a total of 20 students, and is open only to those who are 18 and older.
Wilderness First Aid Training differs from more traditional emergency medical training in a number of ways, and places an emphasis on how to respond in a wilderness setting where there may not always be immediate access to medical care.
Below is a description of the course as provided by SOLO:
SOLO’s courses originated in response to the needs of those who love and enjoy the out-of-doors. Trip leaders, park rangers, outdoor educators, mountain and river guides, and outdoor enthusiasts want to know how to prevent accidents as well as how to respond when unexpected injuries or illness occur. A significant percentage of our populations live in rural settings. Sometimes, like a wilderness setting, these less-populated areas bring with them the difficulty of getting to definitive medical care in a timely manner. Rural rescue squads, fire departments, and state and federal agencies are turning more and more to wilderness medical training to meet their special needs. These days, even those in urban areas may encounter situations where they are unable to access 911. During disaster situations, training in wilderness medicine may make the difference between life and death.
SOLO training is different from more traditional emergency medical and first aid training in that the emphasis is on how the body works; what happens to it when it has been injured or is ill; and the basic principles behind treatment. By truly understanding basic physiology, the principles of emergency response, long-term patient care, and equipment improvisation, you will be more prepared to deal with non-textbook problems.
Our “hands-on” approach trains you to act competently in the kind of emergencies you are most likely to encounter. Many of our students write us about their first use of SOLO training telling us that “it was just like doing a scenario.” Even more gratifying are the testimonials from students who avoided having to use their medical skills as a result of what they learned in the personal preparedness and leadership sections of the course. Our goal is to train you to be ready to handle whatever you face with confidence.
To view and download a full outline of the course and all topics covered, click HERE. For more information on SOLO, you can view their website HERE.
For any additional questions, email us at contact@capeanntrailstewards.org. Course meeting times and additional details will be provided to registrants by email prior to the event.