Wilderness First Aid (WFA): Difference between revisions

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Wilderness First Aid (WFA) is the most comprehensive medical training and certification PBEM can offer to [[Volunteer Statuses|Active NETs]]. 'Wilderness' in this case does not necessarily mean a remote, unpopulated area. It describes any austere environment where a hospital or other emergency medical facility is not quickly available -- such as the Portland metro area after a major earthquake.
Wilderness First Aid (WFA) is the most comprehensive medical training and certification PBEM can offer to [[Volunteer Statuses|Active NETs]]. 'Wilderness' in this case does not necessarily mean a remote, unpopulated area. It describes any austere environment where a hospital or other emergency medical facility is not quickly available -- such as the Portland metro area after a major earthquake.


NET WFA training is open to individuals who are ''not'' healthcare professionals nor professional rescuers, but who desire wilderness first aid knowledge and skills.
NET WFA training is open to individuals who are ''not'' healthcare professionals or professional rescuers, but who desire wilderness first aid knowledge and skills.


'''Please read the sections marked <span style="background:firebrick; color:white">Essential</span> below before signing up for WFA training.'''
'''Please read the sections marked <span style="background:firebrick; color:white">Essential</span> below before signing up for WFA training.'''
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{| class="wikitable" style="width: 25%; "
{| class="wikitable" style="width: 25%; "
| style="background: firebrick; color: white" |'''Section Importance: Essential'''
| style="background: firebrick; color: white" |'''Section Importance: Essential'''
|}'''Eligibility:''' WFA training is open only to [[Volunteer Statuses|Active NETs in good standing]] who have current CPR/AED certification recorded in MIP at the time they register for the class. See Prerequisites below.
|}'''Eligibility:''' WFA training is open only to [[Volunteer Statuses|Active NETs in good standing]] who have current Adult CPR/AED certification recorded in MyImpact ("MIP") at the time they register for the class. See Prerequisites below.


'''Delivery:''' In-person, instructor-led. Some self-study is required before the class.
'''Delivery:''' In-person, instructor-led. Some self-study is required before the class.


'''Duration:''' 18 hours, over three days. The first two days are classroom lecture and hands-on practice, and the third day is mostly outdoor exercises. Specific cohort schedules are listed in the MIP sign-up; they do not appear here.
'''Duration:''' Up to 21 hours, over three days. The first two days are classroom lecture and hands-on practice, and the third day is mostly outdoor exercises and ''might'' not run to full time. Specific cohort schedules are listed in the MIP sign-up; they do not appear here.


'''Flexible scheduling:''' No. <span style="background:#FFFF00">Participants must complete WFA training in a single, three-day cohort.</span> Partial credit, virtual attendance, and make-up sessions are not available for any reason. We understand that 'life happens' but the curriculum does not permit any flexibility for less than full, in-person attendance. If you must miss any portion of the sessions, you must start over again in the future.
'''Flexible scheduling:''' No. <span style="background:#FFFF00">Participants must complete WFA training in a single, three-day cohort.</span> Partial credit, virtual attendance, and make-up sessions are not available for any reason. We understand that 'life happens' but the curriculum does not permit any flexibility for less than full, in-person attendance. If you must miss any portion of the sessions, you must start over again in the future.
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'''Class size:''' 10 students per instructor. Typically PBEM schedules cohorts of 20 students, with two co-instructors.
'''Class size:''' 10 students per instructor. Typically PBEM schedules cohorts of 20 students, with two co-instructors.


'''Course materials:''' The [https://goto.hsi.com/hubfs/117004_ASHI_G2015_BWFA18N_Wilderness_SB_040218_Preview.pdf HSI Student Book] ($19 value) and materials used in class are provided by PBEM free to students.
'''Training materials:''' A copy of the [https://goto.hsi.com/hubfs/117004_ASHI_G2015_BWFA18N_Wilderness_SB_040218_Preview.pdf HSI Student Book] ($19 value) is provided by PBEM to students to keep. All consumables used during classes are provided.


'''Cost to student:''' $0. Students will assemble or purchase their Wilderness First Aid kit at their own expense.
'''Cost to student:''' $0. Students will assemble or purchase their Wilderness First Aid kit at their own expense.
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|}
|}


* '''<span style="background:#FFFF00">Prospective students must already have current, unexpired CPR/AED certification recorded in MIP to register for WFA training.</span>'''  WFA trainings will not appear in your MIP Opportunities list if proof of current CPR/AED status has not been submitted to PBEM.
* '''<span style="background:#FFFF00">WFA students must already have current, unexpired Adult CPR/AED certification listed in MIP > My Profile > Qualifications to register for WFA training.</span>'''  WFA trainings will not appear in your MIP Opportunities list if proof of ''current'' Adult CPR/AED status has not been submitted to PBEM.
** If you have current CPR/AED certification which is not recorded in your MIP profile, [Mailto:net@portlandoregon.gov email PBEM] a scan or PDF of your non-expired certification card.
** If you have current Adult CPR/AED certification which is not recorded in your MIP profile, [Mailto:net@portlandoregon.gov email PBEM] a scan or PDF of your non-expired certification card.
** If you need a CPR/AED certification or recertification class, monitor NET Bulletins and/or the MIP Activity schedule for announcements of periodic, free PBEM-provided trainings. Please do not write to inquire about upcoming CPR/AED classes because all trainings are posted in MIP as soon as they are scheduled. You may also obtain CPR/AED certification from a third party and submit proof of certification; the out-of-pocket cost is typically $80-$130, which PBEM cannot reimburse.
** If you need an Adult CPR/AED certification or recertification class, watch NET Bulletins and/or the MIP Activity schedule for announcements of periodic, free PBEM-provided trainings. Please do not write to inquire about upcoming Adult CPR/AED classes because all trainings are posted in MIP and Bulletins as soon as they are scheduled. Volunteers also may obtain Adult CPR/AED certification from a third party and submit proof of certification; the out-of-pocket cost is typically $80-$130, which PBEM cannot reimburse. Some employers offer this training to employees as well.
* '''<span style="background:#FFFF00">An up-to-date address [https://bit.ly/net-mip in your MIP profile].</span>''' Volunteers must update their contact information themselves. Your Student Book will be mailed to this address unless you '''pre-arrange''' to pick it up from the Emergency Coordination Center (ECC), [https://goo.gl/maps/A2SYvjKz6cd3tFJP8 9911 SE Bush St], during business hours (Monday-Friday, 08:30 - 16:00). See the MIP Opportunity sign-up for your specific cohort for additional information about obtaining your Student Book.
* '''<span style="background:#FFFF00">The mailing address [https://bit.ly/net-mip in your MIP profile] must be up to date, or you will not receive your Student Book.</span>''' Volunteers must update their contact information themselves. Your Student Book will be mailed to this address in advance of class. See the MIP Opportunity sign-up for your specific cohort for additional information about obtaining your Student Book.
* A few hours of '''pre-class studying''' must be completed in advance. Your instructor will email your assignment at least one week before your first class. Please do not write to inquire unless you have not been contacted seven days before your training begins.
* A few hours of '''pre-class studying''' must be completed in advance. Your instructor will email your assignment at least one week before your first class. Please do not write to inquire unless you have not been contacted seven days before your training begins.
* A strong stomach. The training includes photo and video images of real-life wounds, bleeding, and disfigurements.
* Some First Aid training beyond [[Basic NET Training Standard Syllabus|Basic NET Training]] is recommended but not required.
* Some First Aid training beyond [[Basic NET Training Standard Syllabus|Basic NET Training]] is recommended but not required.
* A strong stomach. The training includes photo and video images of real-life blood, serious wounds, and disfigurements.


== <span style="background:#FFFF00">Time Commitment Required</span> ==
== <span style="background:#FFFF00">Time Commitment Required</span> ==
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|}Before signing up, please understand the commitment required.
|}Before signing up, please understand the commitment required.


# This is a '''three-day, 18-hour, in-person training.''' Two days are in the classroom and the final day includes outdoor field exercises.
# This is a '''three-day, 21-hour, in-person training.''' Two days are in the classroom and the final day includes outdoor field exercises. The exact schedule for each cohort is listed in the MIP signup.
#
#
# Please '''review the Sample Student Handbook''' which includes a list of the class topics.
# Please '''review the [https://goto.hsi.com/hubfs/117004_ASHI_G2015_BWFA18N_Wilderness_SB_040218_Preview.pdf Sample Student Handbook]''' which includes a list of the class topics.
# '''A few hours of pre-work is required.''' Your Student Book and assignment will be provided in advance.
# '''A few hours of pre-work is required.''' Your Student Book and assignment will be provided in advance.
# PBEM offers this training to Active NETs for free, but '''the value of this class is around $400. Unexplained no-shows waste your tax dollars''' and could preclude a volunteer from other future advanced training opportunities.
# PBEM offers this training to Active NETs for free, but '''the value of this class is around $400. Unexplained no-shows waste your tax dollars''' and could preclude a volunteer from other future advanced training opportunities.
# However, '''if you have any signs of illness before class''', please do not come! Instead [Mailto:net@portlandoregon.gov email PBEM] to let us know; this will not be held against you of course.
# However, '''if you have any signs of illness before class''', please do not come! Instead [Mailto:net@portlandoregon.gov email PBEM] to let us know; this will not be held against you of course.


These requirements are not negotiable. Many Active NETs are eligible for this training and PBEM does not have time to consider exceptions.
These requirements are not negotiable. Many hundreds of Active NETs are eligible for this training and PBEM does not have time to consider exceptions.


== What this training is ''not'' ==
== What this training is ''not'' ==
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| style="background: firebrick; color: white" |'''Section Importance: Essential'''
| style="background: firebrick; color: white" |'''Section Importance: Essential'''
|}
|}
*This training '''is ''not'' open for individuals seeking WFA recertification.''' If your WFA certification has expired, please do not sign up for this training as a refresher. PBEM's program goal is to provide WFA training once for as many NETs as possible before opening seats for recertification. To recertify, please look for a refresher class from other organizations. PBEM cannot reimburse volunteers for the cost of recertification.
*This training '''is ''not'' open for individuals seeking WFA recertification.''' If your WFA certification has expired, please do not sign up for this training as a refresher. PBEM's program goal is to provide WFA training once for as many NETs as possible before opening seats for recertification. To recertify, please look for a refresher class from other organizations. PBEM cannot reimburse volunteers for the cost of recertification. Also see Continuing Education below.
*This training '''is not WFR (Wilderness First Responder) training.''' WFR is an 80-hour course which PBEM cannot offer. It is available from training centers in Oregon for $800 - $1,100. PBEM cannot reimburse volunteers for the cost of WFR training.
*This training '''is not WFR (Wilderness First Responder) training.''' WFR is an 80-hour course which PBEM cannot offer. It is available from training centers in Oregon for $800 - $1,100. PBEM cannot reimburse volunteers for the cost of WFR training.
* This class '''is not a substitute for professional medical certification''' such Basic Life Support (BLS) or EMT certification. PBEM does not provide professional-level medical certifications.
* This class '''is not a substitute for professional medical certification''' such Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or EMT certification. PBEM does not provide professional-level or medical licensing certifications.


== Continuing Education ==
== Continuing Education ==
{| class="wikitable" style="width: 25%; "
{| class="wikitable" style="width: 25%; "
| style="background: gold; color: black" |'''Section Importance: Supplemental'''
| style="background: gold; color: black" |'''Section Importance: Supplemental'''
|}PBEM provides on-line continuing education sessions via Zoom, approximately monthly. NETs with WFA or higher medical certification may view access information [https://bit.ly/net-mip in MIP] under Opportunities > Advanced Training. These informal sessions do not bestow any CEU credits.
|}PBEM provides on-line continuing education sessions via Zoom, approximately monthly. NETs with WFA or higher medical certification may view Zoom access information and sign up [https://bit.ly/net-mip in MIP] under Opportunities > Advanced Training. These informal sessions do not bestow any CEU credits.


== Course Topics ==
== Course Topics ==
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* Head, Neck or Back Injuries
* Head, Neck or Back Injuries
* Musculoskeletal Injuries
* Musculoskeletal Injuries
* Extended Injruy Management
* Extended Injury Management
* Altered Mental Status
* Altered Mental Status
* Breathing Difficulty, Shortness of Breath
* Breathing Difficulty, Shortness of Breath
* Abdominal Problems
* Abdominal Problems
* Pain, Severe Pressure, or Discomfort in Chest
* Pain, Severe Pressure, or Discomfort in Chest
* Poinsoning
* Poisoning
* Heat Emergencies
* Heat Emergencies
* Cold Emergencies
* Cold Emergencies

Latest revision as of 13:27, 22 April 2023

Wilderness First Aid (WFA) is the most comprehensive medical training and certification PBEM can offer to Active NETs. 'Wilderness' in this case does not necessarily mean a remote, unpopulated area. It describes any austere environment where a hospital or other emergency medical facility is not quickly available -- such as the Portland metro area after a major earthquake.

NET WFA training is open to individuals who are not healthcare professionals or professional rescuers, but who desire wilderness first aid knowledge and skills.

Please read the sections marked Essential below before signing up for WFA training.

Training Overview

Section Importance: Essential

Eligibility: WFA training is open only to Active NETs in good standing who have current Adult CPR/AED certification recorded in MyImpact ("MIP") at the time they register for the class. See Prerequisites below.

Delivery: In-person, instructor-led. Some self-study is required before the class.

Duration: Up to 21 hours, over three days. The first two days are classroom lecture and hands-on practice, and the third day is mostly outdoor exercises and might not run to full time. Specific cohort schedules are listed in the MIP sign-up; they do not appear here.

Flexible scheduling: No. Participants must complete WFA training in a single, three-day cohort. Partial credit, virtual attendance, and make-up sessions are not available for any reason. We understand that 'life happens' but the curriculum does not permit any flexibility for less than full, in-person attendance. If you must miss any portion of the sessions, you must start over again in the future.

Weather accommodation: None. Classes proceed rain or shine, unless PBEM is responding to a severe weather incident.

Certification: Yes. Participants who successfully complete WFA training receive a two-year electronic certification 'card' from HSI.

Class size: 10 students per instructor. Typically PBEM schedules cohorts of 20 students, with two co-instructors.

Training materials: A copy of the HSI Student Book ($19 value) is provided by PBEM to students to keep. All consumables used during classes are provided.

Cost to student: $0. Students will assemble or purchase their Wilderness First Aid kit at their own expense.

Market value of training: $350 - $550 from for-profit training centers.

Prerequisites

Section Importance: Essential
  • WFA students must already have current, unexpired Adult CPR/AED certification listed in MIP > My Profile > Qualifications to register for WFA training. WFA trainings will not appear in your MIP Opportunities list if proof of current Adult CPR/AED status has not been submitted to PBEM.
    • If you have current Adult CPR/AED certification which is not recorded in your MIP profile, email PBEM a scan or PDF of your non-expired certification card.
    • If you need an Adult CPR/AED certification or recertification class, watch NET Bulletins and/or the MIP Activity schedule for announcements of periodic, free PBEM-provided trainings. Please do not write to inquire about upcoming Adult CPR/AED classes because all trainings are posted in MIP and Bulletins as soon as they are scheduled. Volunteers also may obtain Adult CPR/AED certification from a third party and submit proof of certification; the out-of-pocket cost is typically $80-$130, which PBEM cannot reimburse. Some employers offer this training to employees as well.
  • The mailing address in your MIP profile must be up to date, or you will not receive your Student Book. Volunteers must update their contact information themselves. Your Student Book will be mailed to this address in advance of class. See the MIP Opportunity sign-up for your specific cohort for additional information about obtaining your Student Book.
  • A few hours of pre-class studying must be completed in advance. Your instructor will email your assignment at least one week before your first class. Please do not write to inquire unless you have not been contacted seven days before your training begins.
  • A strong stomach. The training includes photo and video images of real-life wounds, bleeding, and disfigurements.
  • Some First Aid training beyond Basic NET Training is recommended but not required.

Time Commitment Required

Section Importance: Essential

Before signing up, please understand the commitment required.

  1. This is a three-day, 21-hour, in-person training. Two days are in the classroom and the final day includes outdoor field exercises. The exact schedule for each cohort is listed in the MIP signup.
  3. Please review the Sample Student Handbook which includes a list of the class topics.
  4. A few hours of pre-work is required. Your Student Book and assignment will be provided in advance.
  5. PBEM offers this training to Active NETs for free, but the value of this class is around $400. Unexplained no-shows waste your tax dollars and could preclude a volunteer from other future advanced training opportunities.
  6. However, if you have any signs of illness before class, please do not come! Instead email PBEM to let us know; this will not be held against you of course.

These requirements are not negotiable. Many hundreds of Active NETs are eligible for this training and PBEM does not have time to consider exceptions.

What this training is not

Section Importance: Essential
  • This training is not open for individuals seeking WFA recertification. If your WFA certification has expired, please do not sign up for this training as a refresher. PBEM's program goal is to provide WFA training once for as many NETs as possible before opening seats for recertification. To recertify, please look for a refresher class from other organizations. PBEM cannot reimburse volunteers for the cost of recertification. Also see Continuing Education below.
  • This training is not WFR (Wilderness First Responder) training. WFR is an 80-hour course which PBEM cannot offer. It is available from training centers in Oregon for $800 - $1,100. PBEM cannot reimburse volunteers for the cost of WFR training.
  • This class is not a substitute for professional medical certification such Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or EMT certification. PBEM does not provide professional-level or medical licensing certifications.

Continuing Education

Section Importance: Supplemental

PBEM provides on-line continuing education sessions via Zoom, approximately monthly. NETs with WFA or higher medical certification may view Zoom access information and sign up in MIP under Opportunities > Advanced Training. These informal sessions do not bestow any CEU credits.

Course Topics

Section Importance: Supplemental
  • Protecting Yourself
  • Legal Considerations
  • Moving and Lifting
  • Scene Assessment
  • Focused Assessment
  • Shock
  • Control of Bleeding
  • Major Wounds
  • Facial Injuries
  • Minor Wounds
  • Cleaning, Closing, and Dressing Wounds
  • Burns
  • Head, Neck or Back Injuries
  • Musculoskeletal Injuries
  • Extended Injury Management
  • Altered Mental Status
  • Breathing Difficulty, Shortness of Breath
  • Abdominal Problems
  • Pain, Severe Pressure, or Discomfort in Chest
  • Poisoning
  • Heat Emergencies
  • Cold Emergencies
  • Bites and Stings
  • Submersion (Drowning)
  • Lightning Strikes
  • Altitude Illnesses
  • Emotional Considerations
  • First Aid Kits
  • Protection from the Elements
  • Water and Food
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