Wilderness First Aid Certification Course [Mostly Reimbursable for Trip Leaders! Free for Some UVa Academic Employees!]

OVERVIEW

[This is *not* an overnight course — it runs two days and ends at 7pm each day.]

Learn how to save life and limb in an
> urban disaster (natural / protest / disaster)
> rural area (not near a hospital)
> travel anywhere
> wilderness area

Pre- and post-pandemic, we’ll have our usual $25 discount for Outdoors at UVAers; afraid I can’t afford discounts at this time, just makin’ it by. The good news is that this course is NOT the $350 that REI now charges — yikes! That’s ***$105 SAVINGS*** per person, and this class is much more in-depth and hands-on!

BONUS if you’re a trip leader: Earn most of your course FEE BACK BY REIMBURSEMENT! Details: https://outdoorsatuva.org/resources/ If you lead enough adventures to get the maximum reimbursement and if that still doesn’t cover your fee fully, and being a student you kinda need it to, let me know and I’ll pay ya back the rest personally, in appreciation of your awesomeness in leading for this rad club.

Free for some UVA employees! Academic employees can take this class for free if it directly relates to your current work position or field of study. 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 often fill up.
REGISTER AT: www.solowfa.com
More info below.

PANDEMIC SAFETY: There shalt be zero virus transmission in this class. Here are the class safety protocols: https://solowfa.com/class-safety-protocols.html

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Course CALENDAR (2 days, 8:00am – 7pm each day):

Oct 22-23, 2022 ……………….. Charlottesville, VA
Nov 5 – 6 ………………..Washington, DC area
Nov 19-20 ………………..Norfolk, VA
Jan 7 – 8, 2023 ………………..Washington, DC area
Jan 21-22 ………………..Charlottesville, VA
Jan 21-22 ………………..Triangle area south, NC
Jan 28-29 ………………..Baltimore area, MD
Feb 4 – 5 ………………..Farmville, VA
Feb 4 – 5 ………………..Harrisonburg/Staunton area, VA
Feb 4 – 5 ………………..Tampa area, FL
Feb 25-26 ………………..Lexington, VA
Feb 25-26 ………………..Richmond, VA
Mar 4 – 5 ………………..Jacksonville area, FL
Mar 4 – 5 ………………..Washington, DC area
Mar 18-19 ………………..Wilmington / Carolina Beach, NC
Mar 25-26 ………………..Blacksburg, VA
Mar 25-26 ………………..Charleston area, SC
Mar 25-26 ………………..Triad + Triangle areas, NC
Apr 2 – 4 ………………..Sitka, ALASKA
Apr 15-16 ………………..Baltimore area, MD
Apr 15-16 ………………..Charlottesville, VA
Apr 15-16 ………………..Orlando area, FL
Apr 22-23 ………………..Charlotte, NC area
Apr 29-30 ………………..Richmond, VA
Apr 29-30 ………………..Women-only Retreat in VA
May 20-21 ………………..Philadelphia area, PA
May 20-21 ………………..Tallahassee area, FL
May 20-21 ………………..Triangle area, NC
May 27-29 ………………..Forest Retreat near B’burg, VA
Jun 3 – 4 ………………..Washington, DC area
Jun 10-11 ………………..Charlottesville area, VA
Jun 10-11 ………………..Norfolk, VA
Jun 24-25 ………………..Chattanooga, TN
Jun 24-25 ………………..Advanced WFA pt. II Williamsport WV
Aug 23-31 ………………..W.F.Responder (9 days) in WV
Sep 2 – 4 ………………..Mtn-Top Retreat near B’burg, VA

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

OVERVIEW:
> No prerequisites
> For adults and teens with solid attention spans. 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: https://solowfa.com/assets/pdf/dtWFA_flyer_generic_latest.pdf
> Testimonials: see below

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

WHY:
Mired in a disaster zone, rural area far from hospital, natural area miles from an access point, or protesting and trapped in a kettle … 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 immediately 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. 8am – 7pm both days; you come away with actual do-it-yourself care-giving confidence.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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 Problems, and Heart Problems
> Patient movement: spinal cord precautions and clearing; pre- and post-evacuation treatment
> International Travel: preparing & packing for safe travel, problem prevention before and during travel, and identification & treatment of many travel illnesses – presented in a special hand-out for those who indicate interest

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Instructor: Matthew Rosefsky, Geo Medic, Wilderness EMT, Street Medic, CERT, MRC, SOLO Instructor-Trainer, and … co-Founder of Outdoors at UVa! … Or a top-notch, highly-qualified individual Mateo personally trained via the apprenticeship model.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

TESTIMONIALS (those without names are from post-course anonymous feedback forms):

“The course blew my expectations out of the water.”

“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!”

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

“The numerous examples of hands-on practice in evaluating, moving and treating patients gave us lots of practice in applying what we learned.”

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

“The encyclopedia knowledge of the instructor. The instructor’s willingness to address questions, and willingness to provide individualized attention.”

“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.”

“I came upon a motorcycle accident with 3 injured people. I was able to preserve their lives because of my SOLO training.” – 2-day course graduate Jacquie W.

“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.

“Take the class, Save a life!”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Facebook: www.facebook.com/medicwfa

REGISTRATION ONLINE + MORE INFO: https://www.solowfa.com/