I finished my Wilderness First Responder course today and have a current certification more advanced than first aid in a long time. Part of my motivation for taking the course was to learn how the protocols had changed in the 27 years since getting my WEMT. It turns out that while a few of the details have changed, most things remain the same.
I took my early medical training through SOLO in Conway, New Hampshire. I took this course through NOLS because it fit where I was going to be (in Austin, Texas for the holidays, flying to Presque Isle, Maine, in the morning). Both of these were great outfits, well run with professional and personable instructors. I have nothing but good things to say about both.
Future medical training for me will be conducted by Rick Swain at Scroll. Rick’s approach to the outdoors is much closer to mine and, among other impressive certifications, he holds a Jack Mountain Journeyman Certification. Check out TheScroll275.com for more info on Rick’s programs.
I’ve been teaching and guiding for a long time, as well as being a program designer, planner of logistics, and every other ancillary job that goes along with running programs in remote places. I thoroughly enjoyed being a student again these last few days. How refreshing to be able to show up and just take the class. I plan to do more of it now that I’ve had a taste.
From my bio page on our website, listing the medical training I’ve completed.
• Wilderness First Responder (WFR); January, 2023. NOLS.
• ACA Whitewater Rescue Course; May, 2018. Northeast Whitewater.
• First Aid Refresher Course; July, 2017.
• Wilderness First Aid and CPR Refresher Course; October, 2007. SOLO.
• Wilderness First Responder Refresher Training Program; January, 2003. SOLO.
• Winter Medicine and Rescue, December; 2000. SOLO.
• Fundamentals of Search and Rescue; November, 2000. SOLO.
• Wilderness First Aid; November, 2000. SOLO.
• EMT Refresher Training Program; October, 2000. SOLO.
• EMT Refresher Training Program; January, 1999. SOLO.
• Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician (EMT); November/December, 1996. SOLO.
