Disaster + Wilderness First Aid Course [Free for Uva Academic Employees! Reimbursable for Trip Leaders!]

OVERVIEW

Learn how to save life and limb in an
> urban disaster (natural or terrorist)
> rural area (not near a hospital)
> wilderness area

CHOOSE one set of dates/locations (2 days, 8:30am-6:30pm both days):
> Sep. 21-22: Virginia Beach, VA*
> Oct. 12-13: Richmond, VA*
> Oct. 19-20: CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA* (at UVA med school Jordan Hall)
> Nov. 9-10: Blacksburg, VA*
> Nov. 16-17: Washington, DC

*Charitable Donation: a nonprofit organization of Blue Ridge Mountain Sports’ choice will receive 10% of proceeds.

Outdoors at UVAers: SAVE $25 off regular $175 WFA rate.

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 hand-off
> Blend of classroom instruction & hands-on rescue scenario practice
> Approved by the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) and the American Camping Association (ACA)
> 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 an urban disaster zone, rural living or car crash far from hospital, or natural area miles from an access point … accidents and terrorism happen, and all-too-often members of a group are not capable of dealing with the emergency. Not only does this lead to improper care of the patient, but it also endangers the entire group. Studies have shown that many recreational accidents are preventable, and that improper care of trauma can compound even the simplest of injuries. Through our involvement in emergency medicine and rescue efforts, we at SOLO feel there is a need for training for all people – training which stresses preparedness and prevention; training which encompasses all phases of off-road emergencies; training which focuses on extended care issues in prolonged transport situations. Very few first aid programs actually address the issues of providing emergency care in an urban disaster when 911 is overwhelmed or not reachable, or in a rural, wilderness, or extended care setting. 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 the 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

“It was the *very best* first aid I ever attended and I’ve attended many.” March 2012

“I feel that I learned more in your 16 hour [2-day] WFA course than I have in 20 years of regular first aid training. The practice/scenarios were great ways to gain the knowledge.” -Charles Perry, 4/18/2012

“Best instructor on the East Coast (based on 4 other courses).” December 2012

“Beyond excellent. Matt was the best instructor I’ve had on any subject.” May 2013

“Beyond expectations. It was an extremely well-taught course using experiential learning that will transfer to actual use if ever needed.” April 2011

“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

“When I walked in the door, the idea of being responsible for someone in a backcountry medical emergency was terrifying. Now I feel confident that I can help.” March 2008

“He [Matt] was a great teacher. The class wouldn’t be the same without him.” September 2012

“I spent a career receiving, managing and evaluating course instruction. Matt is in the top 5% of instructors … Superb … Best of the best. In addition to professionalism, personable approach was excellent … I would travel again from Missouri to attend a SOLO course if all instructors and courses are of this caliber and quality — no question.” October 2012

“The encyclopedia knowledge of the instructor. The instructor’s willingness to address questions, and willingness to provide individualized attention.” November 2012 (response to question: “What were the positive aspects of the course?”)

“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

“The course was great. The skills learned this weekend I feel are necessary for not only wilderness but today’s world, especially after the recent events in Georgia and now Missouri, it is not beyond reason to find a neighbor in distress much like the scenarios in the course after a weather event.” -Jaimi Jackson, 5/23/2011

“If I knew this class would be so applicable to even a day hike or weekend sail, I would have taken it sooner.” October 2010

“I recommend that WFA be the minimum course level required by all SAR (Search and Rescue) personnel … [Matt] not only knows the subject matter but how to effectively convey the information and motivate his students.” April 2008

“This is the second time I have taken WFA, the previous time was with a different instructor through a different organization. The difference between the two courses was black and white, bravo Matt.” -Peter L., 5/6/2010

“Best one [instructor] of my now-4 WFA or BWFA courses — thank you.” March 2012

“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 and not sure how to handle treating the female driver. I observed through the windshield that she was alert, although a little disoriented and had a cut left hand due to the broken driver’s window; the air bags didn’t deploy. I guess since I was talking the loudest to the woman, I took control to treat her. While still physically separated by the vehicle, I asked her if she had any other injuries/pain and began the initial assessment the best I could … Police and fire/rescue had not yet arrived, although plenty of 911 calls went out. …
With the help of another man, we were able to push up and open the passenger door, the driver’s side was on the ground. While he held the door open, I was able to interact with my ‘patient.’ I received permission to treat her … While gloved up, I applied several 4×4 pads and had her raise her arm above her head and hold the gauze. There was no way we could get her out and I didn’t want to try without proper rescue cribbing gear to prevent the vehicle shifting around … I talked with her to calm her down. Once FX Fire/Rescue was on site, I passed care of my ‘patient’ to them. She was subsequently extracted from the SUV and transported to Inova Fair Oaks Hospital.
Thanks again for letting me take your WFA class and 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

“Altering the course of natural selection.” April 2011
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>> More testimonials: http://www.solowfa.com/course-reviews-MEDIC-SOLO-disaster-wilderness-first-aid.htm

>> Facebook: www.facebook.com/medicwfa

>> REGISTRATION ONLINE + More Info: www.solowfa.com