First Aid Register Now! _________________ Supporting Documents Current Schedule     photo: Adam Clifton     - C-spine stabilization. Haines, Alaska.     "After my WFR course, I’m confident in my ability to deal with a medical emergency in the backcountry. The numerous scenarios involving patient assessment and communications really helped me learn the skills."     ~ Catherine V.          Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)          This 140 hour course   exceeds standards established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for EMT curriculum. It prepares students for careers as emergency responders. You’ll learn the fundamentals of ambulance based response and practice extensive hands-on scenarios over 24 days. The course prepares you for the written and practical examinations in the national registry test.          While it does not incorporate the wilderness components and protocols, the majority of skills learned apply for backcountry rescuers.     Course Length:  24 days, 140 hours     Course Location:  Alaska, Pacific Northwest & Utah     IWLS first aid instructors are Wilderness Emergency Medical Technicians (WEMTs) who bring a wealth of knowledge from years of guiding and instructing in wilderness areas. They present scenarios you are likely to encounter in the field, and prepare you to handle emergencies efficiently, safely and professionally. They understand the realities of managing emergencies in remote locations, not only in Alaska, but around the world.     While some time is spent in a classroom,   the course utilizes a scenario-based, hands-on, practical approach to the curriculum. Once you’ve learned the tools for assessment, treatment, and transport in a backcountry setting, you’ll practice numerous scenarios incorporating problem solving, teamwork, communications and client care.     The IWLS Emergency Medicine Curriculum   equips students with the knowledge and practical experience to effectively administer first aid in a wilderness setting. Here is a sample of some of the topics.     Scene Safety:  Are rescuers going to be warm enough? Are you exposed to rock fall from above? The need for safety is paramount, for rescuers, patients and bystanders alike. We'll go over body substance isolation and other key safety elements.     Shock: Anaphylactic, volume, or septic. Learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of shock, how to treat patients, and how to differentiate shock from stress reactions.     C-spine Precautions: Was there mechanism for injury? Learn to prevent unnecessary injury and paralysis by taking proper care of the spine and making an impromptu backboard out of a backpack.     CPR: The science and techniques of cardio-pulmonary resuscitation are continually changing and evolving. You'll learn the most up-to-date techniques and practice this crucial life-saving skill.     Patient Assessment: You'll learn how to do a rapid initial assessment, do a thorough full body secondary assessment, take vitals, and recognize potential life threatening injuries and illnesses.     Cold Injuries: Recognize and treat frostbite. Learn techniques for prevention and treatment of hypothermia in the backcountry.    Certifications upon completion of the 24-day course participants may qualify for the following certifications:        Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)             State certification        CPR for the Professional Rescuer/BLS for Healthcare Provider             American Red Cross/American Heart Association Click Here for all available certifications. University credit is available for this and other IWLS courses. Consider combining three 24-day courses for an IWLS semester!