Learn about wilderness first aid Nov. 8-10

Have you ever wondered what you would do if you or someone in your group was injured while on a wilderness outing where calling 911 is not an option or access to professional medical care is more than one hour away?

Urban first aid courses cover what to do in the minutes before Emergency Medical Services arrive and have limited application in wilderness emergencies that may require care from several hours to several days.

The Wilderness First Aid Course (WFAC) emphasizes the fundamental skills necessary to manage wilderness accidents and environmental illnesses.

This fast-paced 26-hour course includes indoor and outdoor lectures interspersed with demonstrations, hands-on skills practices, and realistic wilderness accident simulations complete with trauma make-up and stage blood.

It is presented at a basic layperson level, presuming no prior medical training except CPR. The WFAC has trained outdoor enthusiasts and outings leaders in Southern California since 1978.The WFAC is an educational nonprofit organization run by an all volunteer staff allowing the tuition to remain low.

Tuition fee of $220 includes:

• A 160-plus page set of course notes/manual is sent out prior to the course for pre-study.
• All lectures, skills and accident simulation practices.
• 2 laminated reference cards.
• Use of course skills materials.
• Dormitory style lodging for 2 nights. Camping on the grounds is also permitted if you prefer sleeping outside. The course is held at the Sierras Club’s beautiful and rustic Harwood Lodge at 6,000 feet in Mt. Baldy in the San Gabriel Mountains.
• Generous meals & snacks are included from mid-morning on Friday to lunch on Sunday. Vegetarian meals or other dietary restrictions may be accommodated with advance notice.
• Course Completion Certificate

This course meets the requirements for Angeles Chapter Sierra Club leaders for Standard First Aid and Wilderness First Aid. LTC will be notified of your course completion.

The course is open to anyone (at least 14 years of age) with the only prerequisite being completion of a hands-on CPR class within the 4 years preceding the course date.

To apply go to the Wilderness First Aid Course website or contact leader and instructor Steve Schuster @ bznes.mail.4.steve@gmail.com