Last night around this time (after our supper break) we reviewed all things hypothermia, followed by the hands on lesson of doing the “burrito” for someone affected by cold injuries. The lesson was a valuable review for me as this particular subject had been covered during my OCC Winter Field Leader course nearly 18 months ago.
And then it was time for our night camping in the woods.
Just when we had our fire nicely burning distressed voices called for help and we rushed to investigate, first aid kits in hand.
I have no pictures because the rescue effort took all our energy. The exercise lasted about 90 minutes and required complete focus. We had to care for three individuals involved in a boating accident. One person was immersed in water, another had broken ribs protruding from his chest while unconscious and the third person was hysterically running about, eventually going into diabetic shock. It was pitch black (thank goodness for headlamps!), treed wetlands with large granite boulders… It was amazing how well our group pulled together to deal with such a horrific situation. Our instructor was impressed and communicated this with us while debriefing around the fire.
There was little sleep to be had after this mighty adrenaline rush and with the drop in temperature my selection of camping spot it turned out that the cold air from Rocky Lake cooled us all down a little too much.
I called it a night shortly after 6 am and was busy breaking down my tent when another hysterical person was running around the forest calling us to action for a campfire incident with various burn injuries. What a way to start Time-Change Sunday after little sleep. Needless to say: everyone was wide awake now ready to pack up their camp and head to the base for breakfast. I was glad for my cup of coffee!
The day continued with classroom lectures and outdoor scenarios. I have lost count how many times we scaled this steep hill during the course, carrying our day pack and camping gear.
One major hands on lesson after lunch covered fractures and how to manage them in remote places. Creative problem solving skills were definite assets over the past three long days.
The outdoor learning sessions concluded with one last scenario, a 28 year old trail runner with their foot stuck between rocks presenting an open tibia fracture, on new heart meds, a dislocated shoulder progresses to unconsciousness due to a stroke. Talk about ending on a high note…
My team did a great job caring for me! Just look at that wound…
Well, this is the final report from the Wilderness First Aid weekend course. It turns out that the Advanced Module did not generate enough interest this month. I’ll be picking it up in April instead. I have to admit, I am not unhappy to be spending tonight in our toasty warm home and my cozy bed with rain pelting against the windows and strong winds. Good night!
Tide Rollers & Mudlarkers... 