Mountaineering-Oriented First Aid

CANCELLATION FEE: $110

Location of Training: Jefferson County Fire Department 1 Station 1-4, at 3850 Cape George Rd., Port Townsend, WA 98368

Instructors: Robert Foster, Connie Fitzpatrick 

Course Goals: As a result of participating in this training, members will heighten their awareness and gain skills necessary for patient care in remote environments.  

1. Presentation and discussion of considerations in patient care in a wilderness setting with extended pre-hospital care times.
2. Practice in teams, with hands-on activities utilizing typical field equipment, caring for actor patients.

Prerequisites:

1) Students must have proof of current CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation ) training (e.g. CPR card) and e-mail a copy of this certification to wfa@jsar-wa.com.  Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue (https://www.ckfr.org/information/cpr-classes/) offers FREE Heartsaver CPR classes every 3rd Thursday of the month. Classes are limited to 25 participants and will be held at Station 41, 7600 Old Military Road NE, from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm.  Call KF&R main line, 360-447-3550, to reserve a spot.  Other Fire and Rescue districts may also offer free CPR courses.   

2) Pre-class reading assignments from the course text (provided via and email link to registered students), the SOAP (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan) Notes Report form (attached; smart phone app at http://rendezvous.nols.edu/content/view/2838/964/), and Wilderness First Aid Cheat Sheet (attached).  If you prefer to purchase a hard copy of the course text, here is a link to it Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Wilderness-First-Aid-Text-Courses/dp/0578153386.  If you do not have time to read the materials before class, or attend the course in its entirety, please do not register for the course. 

3) Alert the instructor if you are allergic to Latex

What to bring

• The course involves both a written test, as well as hands on practical scenarios.  Some scenarios may be outside so be prepared for wet and cold weather.   Wear warm clothes, bring rain gear and dress in layers (the lecture hall can sometimes get warm).  You will get dirty so dress appropriately. 

• Equipment required: Standard overnight pack with ten essentials and a first aid kit with:
  • at least two triangle bandages/cravats (http://tinyurl.com/y96zoth8 );
  • bandaging materials (can be made from old sheets or other material or bring elastic bandages); 
  • several pieces of cloth that can be folded into 4”x4” dressings; and
  • trauma scissors (e.g. https://tinyurl.com/ya974ntt). Sunday there will be scenarios that will require cutting off clothes to help determine the extent of patient injuries - make sure you have a safe means of cutting clothes. Other items typical in a pack and useful for first aid: ground tarp, equipment that can be used to splint (e.g. trekking or ski poles, ice axe, etc.)
• NOTE: JSAR will have available at class for a donation of at least $20 kits that contain 1) 5.5.X36” SAM Splint; 2) Triangle bandages; 1) 12cc irrigation syringe for wound cleaning; and 1) EMT Utility Shears.

• Meals: the Fire Station is too far from civilization so lunch will be provided both Saturday and Sunday.  Throughout the day, snacks, coffee, hot beverages, and water will also be available.
• Cell Service is minimal to nonexistent at the Fire Station.  If you do get a tower it may be in Canada so be careful of roaming charges.

MOFA Class Outline*

Friday February 23th - arrive at 12:30pm to check in
   1:00 PM Welcome
   1:10 Patient Assessment
   2:40 Break
   2:50 Vital Signs
   3:35 Musculoskeletal Injuries
   4:20 Break
   4:25 Hands-On Teaching
             - Spine Stabilization, Log Roll
             - Patient Assessment
             - Splints & Dislocations
             - Litters & Carries
   6:30 End of Day
Saturday February 24th - check in at 7:30am
   8:00 Airway and Breathing
   8:30 Bleeding and Shock
   9:15 Wilderness Wound Management
   10:00 Break
   10:10 Head Trauma & Spine
   10:55 Abdominal & Chest Injuries
   11:40 Break for Lunch (provided)
   12:10 Medical Problems in the Back Country (Small Group Sessions)
   1:40 Drowning & Water Safety
   2:10 Heat Induced Injuries
   2:40 Break
   2:50 Hypothermia and Cold Injuries
   3:35 Lightning Injuries and Prevention
   4:20 Break – Gather Your Gear
   4:30 Break Out Session (SCENARIOS)
   7:00 End of Day
Sunday February 25th - check in at 7:30am
   8:00 Injuries; Bears, Bites & Stings
   8:30 Water Disinfection and Hydration
   9:15 Break
   9:30 Wilderness First Aid Kit/SOAP
   10:15 Evacuation Guidelines
   11:45 Break for Lunch (provided)
   12:15 Review- Team Dynamics and Roles
   12:30 Wilderness First Aid Practical Testing Scenarios
   4:00 Debrief Scenarios
   4:15 Written Exam
5:00 De-Brief of the Week
5:15 End of Course

*Schedule subject to change

Note: $155 fee includes lunches and snacks.