This weekend I participated the 2 day training of Wilderness First Aid at the Group Camp Site at Beacon Rock State Park. Class was taught by John Stubb, the owner of Northwest Responder and 2 of his team (Luis + Henry), all ex-military personal, plus one student helper. They brought some apples and banana, bagels and muffin. Total 29 students (not sure bow many are paying customers like me - $125), most are from Friends of the Gorge. So 33 people, yet 23 cars, including 1 RV, whose owner stayed overnight. Only 3 camped here: me and 2 college age girls (Karen + Sara). The rest, not a wilderness bunch. In fact, other than a handful, I don't see any of them (many retired, nicely dressed ladies) ever in wilderness setting.
Saturday, 4/25. 9-9:30, introduction. First lesson is CPR and patient assessment. About 2 hours. John is an excellent teacher. His CPR class isn't boring.
Square Knot, SOAP notesPatient Transport: using poles / rolled blanket, blanket and/or cloth triangles and/or jacket with sleeves inside, daisy chain for frame litter, Fireman's 1 person carry, 2 people interlock arm carry, drag on blanket.
pace measure: on 3 paths of 100 ft. My count averages to about 38 steps per 100'.
Last, we were given a 2 page exam. Some we haven't talked in the class, so answer was given afterwards.
Sunday, 4/26. Each 2 people team starts a fire. I learned some tips: 1) set up a base with some space for wind to go under the fire; 2) remove bark; 3) scrape the wood to make kindle; 4) arrange sizes of twig, small, middle in different piles for easy access.
Stabilization using cloth triangle, splint with gauze roll.
Bleeding control using direct pressure, Tourniquet
Now scene practices.
1) Each group is asked to set up a shelter for the entire group + a patient to last a night. We were checked for overnight schedule for patient watch and firewatch, enough wood and starting of fire, roof to shelter from rain (space blanket).
2) Role play with different illness. The one I had to dress has a "broken" bone. I was told I'm too timid, need to use force when checking injury and dressing the wound.
Last, we have to mark a 75'x75' square to let a mid-size helicopter land. Use the pace we measured yesterday. Our group did well: 77'.
Afterwards is Q&A.
The group camping area is very nice. Big flat mowed lawn, plus woods. According WA park's website, it can accommodate 200 people, and I believe so. Two Adirondack huts, each with about 4 bunk beds. Somewhat dusty, but in reasonable condition. 2 pit toilets (sanitizer, toilet paper), a bit smelly, especially some of the users don't close the lid when finished. A picnic shelter large enough to make a classroom. About 8 picnic tables. A kitchen shelter with 2 closable doors, shelves, desks and benches, sink with running water, plenty outlet with electricity all night. Unfortunately, the water is not clear. Not fit to drink. Too bad.
Nice starry night. It drizzled a bit around dawn. Otherwise, no rain until I am back to Portland, where Kate from Friends of the Gorge picked me up on Saturday morning.
