Camping
Hiking (Day Hikes)
Social Events, Potlucks etc.
UVa Mountain Lake Biological Station
UVa Mountain Lake Biological Station
This rare, unique weekend event blends the same Wilderness First Aid course (same price, or free!) into a mountain-top retreat weekend, creating great camaraderie among participants while enjoying the extras of:
> Longer lunch breaks, at a sandy beach with big swimmable pond
> Evening cookout
> Sunset short hike to a beautiful Appalachian Trail rock outcropping
> Night-time campfire fun
> $8/night lodging, or free camping not too far away
> Optional CPR / AED / Choking course the Friday evening just before (August 29)
> All up at an elevation of 3,800 feet
This weekend will be enriching and fun on so many levels!
I will help organize carpooling.
Learn how to save life and limb in an
> urban disaster (natural or terrorist)
> rural area (not near a hospital)
> travel anywhere
> wilderness area
CHOOSE one set of dates/locations (2 days, 8:30am – 6:30pm each day):
> June 7 – 8: Washington, DC
> June 21-22: Madison, NJ* (near New York City)
> June 28-29: Virginia Beach, VA* (option: destination vacation ~ cabin or camping at First Landing State Park, with beach, nice trails & more, just 3 miles from course location)
> August 30-31: Mountain-top weekend retreat (dWFA, sunset short hike, campfires, starry nights, sandy beach, optional CPR/AED on Aug. 29, and more) at Mountain Lake Biological Station near Blacksburg, VA*
> October 11-12: Virginia Beach, VA*
> October 18-19: Washington, DC
> November 8-9: Richmond, VA*
> November 15-16: Charlottesville, VA*
Charitable Donation: a nonprofit organization of Blue Ridge Mountain Sports’ choice will receive 10% of proceeds
Outdoors at UVAers $25 DISCOUNT off the regular $180.
BONUS if you’re a trip leader: Earn your course FEE BACK BY REIMBURSEMENT! Details: www.outdoorsatuva.org/resources/?WildernessFirstAid
FREE FOR UVA EMPLOYEES! Most academic employees can take this class for free! Register and pay for the class to save yourself a spot, then apply for Education Benefits program reimbursement: http://hr.virginia.edu/hr-for-you/university-staff/university-staff-benefits/education-benefits/
The money will come back to you in your paycheck (quite possibly your next paycheck, or at longest within about a month of applying). Note: this benefit does not apply to Health System employees — just academic.
Spaces limited, classes sometimes fill up.
REGISTER AT: www.solowfa.com
More info below.
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OVERVIEW:
> No prerequisites
> For adults and focused youths ages 12+. Know your loved ones are safe wherever they are.
> Hands-on learn how to care for an injured / ill person during the critical minutes or hours before ambulance / hospital arrival
> Blend of classroom instruction & hands-on rescue scenario practice
> Approved by the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), Girl Scouts of the USA, American Camping Association (ACA), University of Virginia (100% reimbursement for academic employees!), and more
> 2-year SOLO WFA certification
> Counts as recertification for WFA, AWFA, WFR and wilderness part of W-EMT
> Flyer: http://www.solowfa.com/forms/dwfa-flyer.pdf
> Testimonials: see below
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WHY:
Mired in a disaster zone, rural area far from hospital, or natural area miles from an access point … accidents, destructive weather, and terrorism happen, and all-too-often members of a group are not capable of dealing with the emergency. This leads to improper care of the patient, and endangers the entire group. Many recreational accidents are preventable, and improper care of trauma can compound even simple injuries. Very few first aid programs actually address the issues of providing emergency care in a setting where 911 is overwhelmed or not reachable. In this course, classroom instruction and Q&A are interwoven with practical work and problem-solving exercises. Hands-on experience – a most powerful learning tool – during scenarios comprise ~50% of class. You come away with actual do-it-yourself care-giving confidence.
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TOPICS:
> Beyond the ‘golden hour’: wilderness/disaster-delayed EMS arrival injury challenges and long-term patient care
> Patient Assessment System: thorough patient examination, treatment, monitoring, safety, and documentation
> Orthopedic Injuries and Treatment: Sprains, Strains, Fractures, and Spinal Cord Management
> Circulatory System Form and Function: Heart, Blood, Blood Vessels, Lungs, Brain
> Soft Tissue Injuries and Wound Treatment: Contusions, Abrasions, Lacerations, Flap Avulsions, Amputation, Punctures, Impalements,
> Bites, Stings, Blisters, Burns, and Infections
> Environmental Injuries and Treatment: Cold, Heat, Dehydration and Wilderness Survival
> Medical Emergencies and Critical Care: Shock, Allergies, Shortness of Breath, Brain and Heart
> Patient movement: spinal cord precautions and clearing; pre- and post-evacuation treatment
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TESTIMONIALS (those without names are from post-course anonymous feedback forms):
“The course blew my expectations out of the water.” April 2013
“I was … in denial about what could go wrong in a hike. I feel much more prepared now. Everyone who hikes should take this course!” March 2008
“It was the *very best* first aid I ever attended and I’ve attended many.” March 2012
“The numerous examples of hands-on practice in evaluating, moving and treating patients gave us lots of practice in applying what we learned.” October 2007
“Best instructor on the East Coast (based on 4 other courses).” December 2012
“The encyclopedia knowledge of the instructor. The instructor’s willingness to address questions, and willingness to provide individualized attention.” November 2012
“When I walked in the door, the idea of being responsible for someone in a backcountry {or disaster} medical emergency was terrifying. Now I feel confident that I can help.” March 2008
“Shortly after receiving my WFA cert … I was one of the first to arrive at the rolled SUV and assessed the scene. Most of the emergent volunteers were milling around the SUV, wondering what to do … I took control to treat her … Police and fire/rescue had not yet arrived, although plenty of 911 calls went out … I credit being able to successfully treat my ‘patient’ to your WFA training.” Ian K., 6/5/2008
“Take the class, Save a life!” July 2008
>> More testimonials: http://www.solowfa.com/course-reviews-MEDIC-SOLO-disaster-wilderness-first-aid.htm
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>> Facebook: www.facebook.com/medicwfa
>> REGISTRATION ONLINE + MORE INFO: http://www.solowfa.com/