Why Invest in a Wilderness First Aid Course?
It could happen to anyone.
In just a moment, a peaceful hike in the woods can become a serious situation when your companion has an accident or sustains an injury such as a sprain or fracture.
You may be miles from the trailhead and hours from help. Would you know what to do?
Treating injuries in the wilderness presents many challenges not present in medical situations that arise at home. If you plan to venture into the back country, knowledge of Wilderness First Aid is essential. It is a skill you may need when you least expect it.
No one ever expects to be injured, get lost, or become hypothermic on a trip to the wilderness. Those are things that happen to other people! The truth is, anything can happen at any time. Even if you and your companions remain unscathed, you may come across someone who has become injured or is dealing with a medical issue and needs help. Knowing how to splint a sprained or fractured ankle, or help someone suffering from heat exhaustion get to safety can be vital information in the back country.
While wilderness first aid knowledge is complex, you don’t need a medical background to learn. It’s a skill anyone can acquire, and has intangible benefits that can be very gratifying. Many people report feeling more confident in the wilderness knowing they have the skills to the handle mishaps and accidents that may occur.
Whether you are heading out for a short camping trip with friends or you plan to work with groups in the remote wilderness, a wilderness first aid course is an essential part of your preparation. With courses ranging from basic Wilderness First Aid to Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician, SOLO Southeast has a program that will suit your needs.
I am semi retired (in the medical field) and , although 69, I am very active , love to hike and kayak and plan on spending much of my retirement doing these things and want to be prepared as much as possible. Will I feel out of place ,because of my age, in the wilderness first aide class?