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Take a Wilderness First Aid Course

ARB Fridge Freezer
One of the last things you consider while preparing for a trip is an accident. After all, who wants to think about something bad? Unfortunately, accidents can happen any where and at any time. In my 40-plus years of four-wheeling, I’ve taken many courses, including those to become a Sworn Wildlife Conservation Officer for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

One of the more valuable courses I’ve taken is a wilderness first responder course. It’s geared toward folks like me who want to become certified first responders, but it offers a lot of good information for the average driver, as well. In my opinion everyone should take this class. Even if you never expect to be in a wilderness context, it is well worth the effort.

“But, I have a first aid kit in my vehicle,” you say. Great. Do you know how to use all the materials properly? More importantly, do you know how to handle serious injuries, such as:

  1. Serious bleeding
  2. Traumatic brain injury
  3. Possible spine damage
  4. Ankle sprains and strains
  5. Broken bones
  6. Heat exhaustion and stroke
  7. Asthma
  8. Bee sting creating Anaphylaxis
Mold
A wilderness first responder class takes a “system of the body approach.” You study cause and effect, and avoid a lot of rote memorization. That’s a much better way to learn.

One part teaches that there are only three things that cause death after any accident or illness. You are taught to focus on them and take appropriate action.

It’s a very intense course requiring a lot of commitment, but the benefit is great. Knowing that you can respond appropriately to nearly any injury allows you to go outdoors with confidence. Keep in mind that you don’t have to be in a wilderness area – defined as being more than two hours from definitive care – to face such an emergency.

Book
If you would like to become a Wilderness First Responder, I can recommend two great instructors. Check their schedule because they run courses throughout the Western States.

Southern California
Josh Jackson
Wilderness Leadership Institute
www.wildlead.com
josh@wildlead.com


Colorado
Daz Stokes
Colorado Outside
www.coloradooutside.com
dstokes@rockymountains.net

Safety is no accident, as the old saying goes. Despite the best preparation, accidents can occur outdoors. Sometimes they are serious. If you are serious about being prepared, our wilderness first responder course is for you.



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Related Articles from Badlands Off-road Adventures

Did you miss the previous article? If so, read it here



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2011 Schedule

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The event schedule for 2011 is now on the web site.


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Wilderness First Aid Course Jan 29 & 30, 2011


WFA Clinic Example

As mentioned in the article above, I feel that Wilderness First Aid is very important and have scheduled a Class for January next year. But, we need at least 12 people to sign up by December 12th to make it a go! So if you are interested follow these links. More Details...


You can register directly at http://www.4x4training.com/calendar/calendar.php#WFA


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Winch Clinic October 3, 2010


Now what

This one day clinic starts with the basics but goes way beyond. By the end of the day you will be safely rigging some complex recoveries. The course covers: safety related issues, basic operation of the winch, simple and complex riggings, stuck assessment, winch capability, and minimizing environmental impact. This is a hands on class. More Details...


You can register directly at http://www.4x4training.com/calendar/calendar.php#Winch


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Death Valley October 8


Death Valley

The Death Valley Adventure starts October 8th. This is a 4 day trip on the back roads in Death Valley. We will drive the Panamint Mountains, visit Badwater Basin (lowest spot in North America), visit Chloride Ghost town, Titus Canyon, check out Ubehebe Crater, Teakettle junction, The Race Track & Lippencott Mine Road, camp in the Warm Springs and leave via Steal Pass up to the high meadows, then take Dedeckera Canyon down to the Eureka Sand Dunes. All four days will see some light to moderate 4-wheeling. Much of the trip is quite remote with no cell service.
Check out the details and sign up on the website: http://www.4x4training.com/Adventures/Deathvalley.html


You can register directly at http://www.4x4training.com/calendar/calendar.php#Deathvalley


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Mojave Road October 30


Mojave Road

On October 30th we will follow the Old Mojave Road for 3 days. This was the earliest wagon road into California. This time we will run it west to east just like the old miners going to the gold fields near the Colorado River. We will visit tons of history and see some incredible views. More Details


You can register directly at http://4x4training.com/calendar/calendar.php#Mojave


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NEW: T&T Rail Road Adventure in November


Death Valley

Be the first to go on this trip with me and debug it for the next group!
Our goal is to cross through Johnson Valley, enjoying what it has to offer, and making our way North along the old Tonopah & Tidewater (T&T) Rail Road bed to the Rasor OHV, Afton Canyon and the western edge of the Mojave Preserve. On the way we will skirt the Rodman Mountain Wilderness and cross I-40. This adventure is 2 days of scenic, historical, light wheeling and a night ( 2 if you prefer) of primitive camping under the stars. We can plan a Dutch Oven pot luck for our evening meal.
Check out the details and sign up on the website: http://www.4x4training.com/Adventures/TTRailroad.html


You can register directly at http://www.4x4training.com/calendar/calendar.php#TTRailroad




I hope to see you on the trails!

Tom Severin, President
Badlands Off Road Adventures, Inc
4-Wheel Drive School
310-613-5473
http://www.4x4training.com
Make it Fun. Make it Safe.

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Tom Severin, 4x4 Coach, teaches 4WD owners how to confidently and safely use their vehicles to the fullest extent in difficult terrain and adverse driving conditions. Visit www.4x4training.com to develop or improve your driving skill.

Copyright 2010, Badlands Off-Road Adventures, Inc.





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