It essential for ever backcountry user to ensure that they have some first aid training, a first aid kit and a communications plan.
A number of organizations throughout the United States offer WFA (Wilderness First Aid) and WFR (Wilderness First Responder) certifications, though not all certifications are the same. Some require recertification every two years, while others require it every three. Some companies have reciprocity with one another, while others do not.
Following is a breakdown of common wilderness first-aid medical certifications.
Wilderness First Aid (WFA)
This 16- to 30-hour program provides a baseline introduction to wilderness medicine.
Wilderness First Responder (WFR)
This 70- to 90-hour certification course is considered a baseline requirement for most backcountry professionals in the United States. Learn about AAI’s program here.
Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC)
The National Ski Patrol developed the OEC as a first-aid program for members of the ski patrol who work at resorts. This program requires students to devote 80 to 100 hours to the course of study.
Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician (WEMT)
The WEMT course meets all the requirements of an EMT course as well as the requirements of a WFR course. Most programs require four weeks of full-time intensive study.
If you’re in an accident, you also want to consider backcountry communications. Most guides apply the PACE acronym.
P – Preferred – This is your first line of defense in communications. It might be a satellite messaging system or it might be a cell phone.
A – Alternate – This is your second line of defense in communications. It might be a satellite messaging system or it might be a cell phone.
C – Contingency – This is your third line of defense. This is likely something that is less likely to work well, but it may operate as a backup. This might be a radio or a SAT phone.
E – Emergency – This is for when all else fails. You might send a runner…
Planning for the worst is the best way to ensure the best outcomes…