Overland Training requires a Wilderness First Aid certification for our Overland Certification program, and to date we have (and still do) accept WFAs from various providers like NOLS and Wilderness Medical Associates. But, while great, these organizations cater to a large audience and one that is not specifically vehicle based. We saw that there is a need for a WFA program specifically for overlanders, one that includes international travel, vehicle situations and extractions, motorcycle helmet removal in a safe manner, telemed support as well as the regular WFA curriculum.
We teamed with Remote Medical International (RMI) to create just such a class and this past December offered the first one to the public. The class was well attended and our RMI instructors Janet and Kate were phenomenal trainers and put together a wonderful program of vehicle based scenarios. The class lasted three days and also included CPR certification.
For anyone who travels in the wilderness (defined in medical terms as one hour from medical support) having a WFA under your belt not only offers peace of mind, but sharpens your skills and allows a greater appreciation of remote travel. Now there is an option aimed specifically at expedition travelers that nicely complements the rest of the Overland Training certification program.
In the near future Overland Training will be offering a set of medical kits for the overlanding community developed in association with RMI, and recently tested on our alumni expedition to Baja.
Graham with the very talented instructors Janet and Kate at the first WFA class
Graham crashes his motorcycle and awaits first aid.
Links:
Remote Medical International
Ibuprofen: Hydrate before you medicate – some very practical info from Janet Peterson
Camels at Altitude – An adventure rescue blog entry from Kate Earle