The Transylvania County
Chapter has developed the Wilderness First Aid Basics
program to meet the requirements for organizations based in the Southern
Appalachian Mountains, but is a good basic course in backcountry
emergency response for almost any location. This 16 hour course is for
those who work, live or play in remote areas – away from the usual EMS
service. Even though the emergency workers near these areas may be
trained to search for and rescue those in need, there may be a delay in the
notification of assistance, the time required to get to the patient, or
in moving the patient to more advanced treatment. It expands the
concepts in First Aid: When Help is Delayed to give more
detailed information and hands-on skills practice.
This class covers assessment
and urgent first aid techniques, but not in-depth CPR. Basic first aid skills
are covered, making this course appropriate for anyone regardless of
experience level. No prerequisites are required. A certification can be issued
that has an expiration of 3 years and serves as a Basic First Aid
certification as well. A minimum age of 15 is recommended for participants due
to the serious nature of the course and scenarios.
The American Camping
Association has approved the American Red Cross Wilderness First Aid
Basics for the Part C First Aider in their accreditation standards.
The Boy Scouts of America have also recommended the Red Cross course.
The types of activities and
persons needing more advanced training in first aid could be:
- Hikers and Backpackers
- Scouting leaders and older scouts
- Kayakers and canoers
- Farm workers
- Utility workers in remote areas
- Forest Rangers
- Law enforcement and rescue crews
- Disaster Situations
Course Outline
- Types of Delayed-help Situations
- Emergency Action Steps – Check, Call, Care
– in these situations
- Checking the scene, patient, and resources
- Contacting help
- Caring for the patient long term
- Patient assessment and Record
- Preventing Disease Transmission
- Prioritizing Care
- Treatment of injuries such as:
-
Wounds
-
Head
and Spinal Injuries
-
Extremity
Injuries
-
Abdominal
Injuries
-
Sudden
Illnesses
-
Major
Bites and Stings
-
Other
types of backcountry miseries
Required
Materials
For Students:
Wilderness First Aid Basics
Student Guide
Mountaineering First Aid Text
First Aid: When Help is Delayed
Participant Booklet
INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
BASIC
REQUIREMENTS:
·
American Red Cross certified CPR
and First Aid Instructor
·
Background in outdoor activities
in order to speak intelligently about scenarios used in the course
·
Certification
from the local Red Cross Chapter (or unit)
CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
Order
the following materials from Transylvania County Chapter:
·
Wilderness First Aid Basic
Instructor Manual
·
When Help Is Delayed Instructor
Manual
·
Wilderness First Aid Basic
Student Guide
·
Mountaineering First Aid Text
·
When Help is Delayed Participant
Manual
Optional: Wilderness First Aid
Basics Power Point CD
Complete:
·
Wilderness First Aid Basic
Self-Study Guide**
·
When Help is Delayed Self-Study Guide**
·
Complete Verification Forms from
Self-Study Guides and present to Red Cross Chapter for certification**
** Self-study guides, materials,
and order form links are below.
Once certified . . .
Certification is required with each jurisdiction instructor teaches in
Certification Period:
Instructor
- must teach a minimum of one (1) Wilderness First Aid Basics course every 2
years to maintain certification.
Student - 3
years
Preparedness
and Health & Safety Services
American Red
Cross
National
Headquarters
October 2007
Click on the links below for
more information
Implementation
for Chapters
WFAB Self-Study
for Instructors
WFAB Self-Study
Key
Orientation
Verification Form
Order
Form for WFAB Materials