Wilderness First Responder??

I know Bruce Hatton used to do lots of that stuff, he would get called in, etc. He got tired of the hassle and Bull and I think he gave it up a few years back.

His toolbox on the short/long trucks were full of survival gear, etc. (Usually covering up whatever he needed, ha...still remember crap everywhere flying up in Dayton, TN when he sliced a BFG)
 
A few years ago I tried to do that stuff and nobody ever called me back or replied to my e-mails, etc. , so I gave up on it...
 
Just FYI.. I used to be a First Responder ( not wilderness ) and one of the requirements was if I was driving/walking/jobbing/etc and saw and accident I was required to STOp and help, and if I did not stop to help and someone in the accident found out I did not stop, they could sue me..
just an FYI.. that when traveling and certified you can never be in a hurry.

Besides that is was very rewarding and I enjoyed helping people, except for the few deaths I was part of.. hope you have a strong stomach, because trust me yuo will not believe some of the stuff you see.
 
I'm really not looking to join a SAR/rescue group or anything. I've had ARC first aid, CPR and all, but over the years have come across several situations where I wished for much more knowledge and information in my noggin.

Examples, I've run into a suspected heart attack in the GSMNP backcountry, a woman on the AT up above Hot Springs that'd run into a wasp nest and having a severe reaction (we evaced her to meet EMS at the road, her head was literally swollen as big as pumkin), and once we came upon a car near Brevard with an unconscious/unresponsive woman, it was 20 minutes up the road until we could get cell signal to contact 911, and over a half hour after that before any help arrived.

The WFR courses lean towards evaluation and stabilization, and doing so without a large bag of supplies and equipment. I just want to fill my mental "toolbox".

I used to be VFD, but that was back in dark ages before they did all the first responder stuff.

I'm looking for someone that has done WFR, and can give some tips/recommendations on where to go.
 
I was a firefighter II, ERT, EMT, and HazMat OPS for twelve years. Unless you get higher than a basic EMT, then there is nothing you can do except stop bleeding, CPR, help childbirth, splint broken bones, and check vitals. No matter the situation you cant give drugs not even aspirin to someone having a heart attack.
Basically if you come across someone in the backcountry in trauma ordeal. Stabilize, prevent shock, stop bleeding, or deliver the baby. Get them out very quickly without further damage. Time is Muscle in a heart attack. Just remember, once you are certified then its your rearend, so dont do anything out of your certification level.
 
Part of my independent studies class for my senior year this semester involves me researching, interviewing and collecting information about certifications needed (or recommended) to be in the leisure service field, specifically a park ranger. I will be getting as many certifications that I can this year including renewed on CPR/ defibrillator and first aid, and also swift water rescuse and wilderness rescue. Wilderness rescue is a 60 hour course and costs $500. I dont know if it is similar to wilderness first responder. I am going to make a pamplet that includes all certifications recommended by professionals in the field. If anyone is interested in other certifications I can keep you update as the semester goes on.
 
blazeproc said:
... Unless you get higher than a basic EMT, ... Get them out very quickly without further damage. Time is Muscle in a heart attack. Just remember, once you are certified then its your rearend, so dont do anything out of your certification level.
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X2
basic first aid is really all you can do unless you want to sink a lot of money into automatic defribulators (sp)and first aid gear.
Here is a nice kit: http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/MHR333-1.html

here's what I carry w/ me:
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/MKT1018-1.html
I've added a few things that I've needed in the past like a pait of multi sisors, mole skin better band aids etc.
 
BRUISER said:
Just FYI.. I used to be a First Responder ( not wilderness ) and one of the requirements was if I was driving/walking/jobbing/etc and saw and accident I was required to STOp and help, and if I did not stop to help and someone in the accident found out I did not stop, they could sue me..
just an FYI.. that when traveling and certified you can never be in a hurry.
Besides that is was very rewarding and I enjoyed helping people, except for the few deaths I was part of.. hope you have a strong stomach, because trust me yuo will not believe some of the stuff you see.
Click to expand...
This is incorrect. You do not have a duty to stop as a FR, MR, EMT-B/I/P unless you are riding a public service vehicle.
 
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