Learn Me Me

Nope, that's not a typo. I was putting together a first aid kit the other day, and it occurred to me that I don't really know how to use half the stuff that's in there, nevermind what I should be adding to it.

I've spent my entire life learning as much as possible about every machine and system I spend any amount of time around, but it occurred to me that I've never bothered to learn much about the human body. We all have tool kits in our cars, but how many of us have extensive first aid kits and the knowledge required to use them? Sure, I've taken a few higher-level biology classes, but I'd much rather know how to figure out if someone has a broken neck than be able to write an essay about action potentials and synapses.

So, here's my question: what class(es?) should I take. I'd like to be able to have a solid base of knowledge to fall back on when I'm hours or days from a hospital, be it camping in the woods or testing at the track.

I did a little googling, and it looks like a wilderness first aid or wilderness first responder course would be right up my alley. I'm willing to commit the time and money, as it seems like what I'd learn would be something I could take with me for the rest of my life (provided I keep up with it).

Has anybody taken anything like this? Any tips?

Thanks.

First Aid and Wilderness Survival merit badges, good to go.
Throw in the Emergency Preparedness badge if you're a worrier.

I took a Red Cross First Aid class in college. 2 credits and an easy A, but there was a lot of good stuff in it. I'd recommend one of those, although mine was probably a lot more thorough than most as it was 2 days a week for 18 weeks.

First responder class will stick with you long after you thought you forgot everything. Example being we were eating dinner the other night at a steak house/bar and an older woman had passed out at the bar. No one seemed willing to do anything more than touch her shoulder and gently shake her. It's amazing how fast it comes back, as she was barely breathing. Not going into details, but I was able to tell the manager what to tell the paramedics in route so they walked in prepared. Felt good being able to react with some authority and not just join the crowd of gawking onlookers.

edit: Its been 16 years since I took the class, 14 or 15 since I've responded to anything worse than heatstroke or a broken bone.

Spinout007 wrote: First responder class will stick with you long after you thought you forgot everything. Example being we were eating dinner the other night at a steak house/bar and an older woman had passed out at the bar. No one seemed willing to do anything more than touch her shoulder and gently shake her. It's amazing how fast it comes back, as she was barely breathing. Not going into details, but I was able to tell the manager what to tell the paramedics in route so they walked in prepared. Felt good being able to react with some authority and not just join the crowd of gawking onlookers.

I will second that. When I was 16 I was a junior on the volunteer ambulance squad and due to my age the best I could get was my CFR-D. It was a great coarse, and at the time it was really EMT light, the only difference was the age requirement, and we couldn't do/use one certain procedure/piece of equipment, I forget what. Next class after mine NYS cut CFR down to glorified first aid.

Thankfully I haven't had to use it since, and I hope if I do I can remember enough to be of use.

That said, something like that might be over the top for someone not affiliated with an Ambulance service or FD. Class cost out of pocket would be considerable as would the time needed to complete the class.

Since you like getting into the backcountry, I'd recommend a wilderness advanced first aid or wilderness first responder course from either wilderness medical associates or noles. Unless you are guiding backpacking trips for money the WFR is probably overkill.

<---- WAFA certified since 07

Start with first aid/CPR and make sure it covers infant CPR. I know you don't have any babies, but a handsome lad like you........ The procedures are slightly different with children and it's important to know them. What you really want to learn is how to stabilize and evaluate people to get them to proper medical care. Some sort of first responder course would be good for this.

I have used CPR and the Heimlich on two people, probably saving their lives. I suggest you get a 1st/CPR course under your belt first, if you enjoy it move on to 1st responder. It is always a good thing to have knowledge of how to save a life.

Down the line you'll need this:

I've been trained in CPR, first aid, AED and all that. Never had to use it, but where I work, the company has everything from first responders to a HAZMAT team. You hope to never have to use it, but you have it below your belt.

Where does one take these courses? Local community college? Red Cross? The wilderness advanced first aid sounds excellent.

First aid courses are a good idea for everyone, especially if your hobbies involve power tools or the outdoors. It's come in handy more times than I can count.

I'd start with the Red Cross and then move on to advanced.

Maybe talk to these guys, Tom.
http://www.arrl.org/Groups/view/daytona-beach-cert-amateur-radio-club/type:club

i signed up to be a "First Responder" at work, and we just had our CPR / AED course two weeks ago. It was cool. Does GRM have a First Responder? Training is probably a deductible expense.

The Red Cross sent an instructor to my place of business and trained all of the pilots and any other interested personnel CPR/AED and basic first aid. It was a very good day of training. When I was a child I got a hold of a book called Survival With Style, by Bradford Angier. It is a great book covering many necessary things to survive anywhere on your own, try to find a copy. Another good way to get some first aid training is to become a volunteer fireman. I have been through some airport fire fighting training and have learned quite a bit.