University Recreation hosting Wilderness First Responder course this June
"Wilderness First Responder (WFR) is the definitive course in medical training for outdoor educators, guides, search and rescue team members, and others who work or play in remote areas," according to Wilderness Medical Associates International. The course is hosted at CCU and will be taught by American Health and Safety Institute instructor Nathan Duclos.
This is the first time CCU has hosted a weeklong, intensive course for wilderness first responders, but Beth Javener said anyone who spends time outdoors, recreationally or professionally, should consider taking the course.
"While this course is essential for anyone working in the outdoors, it is also for any outdoor enthusiast," said Javener, outdoor recreation coordinator for University Recreation. "The information from this course will help with potential encounters that could happen hiking, camping, biking, running or swimming and covers the spectrum from snake bites or heat illnesses, to head and spinal injuries. The course is really geared toward anyone who wants to be prepared for the unexpected."
Instructor Duclos agrees.
"It is a perfect class for those who want to feel more prepared for emergency situations and who may do more 'front country' activities," he said.
Duclos is a kayak, backpacking expedition and high-altitude mountain guide, a paramedic, a remote medicine practitioner and an emergency medicine instructor. He lives with his family in Myrtle Beach, but travels often to perform these various roles.
He said the course is a fully engaged class that combines learning with doing. Participants who pass the test and practicum at the end of the course will receive a certificate and will have the tools and the confidence to manage patients in the backcountry for multiple days, or weeks if necessary. It also includes certification for adult, child and infant CPR through the American Heart Association.
Both Duclos and Javener say it's important for people to have this kind of training because it's best to be prepared, regardless of where you are and whether you're there for fun or work.
"If people are going to be venturing far from help, having the knowledge of how to manage an emergency and then treat any medical problems can only enhance the experience and ensure the safety of all involved," Duclos said.
The course will run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 4-9 both inside the HTC Recreation and Convocation Center and in outdoor locations around campus. The cost to participate is $750, and the registration deadline is June 1.
Read a full course description here. Those interested in registering should email recreation@coastal.edu prior to June 1.
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Twitter: @CCUrec