I passed the Wilderness Medicine Institutes’s 10-day, 80-hour, Wilderness First Responder Course. I am now a certified WFR (pronounced whiff’er). I confess that I ostensibly took this class to meet the requirements for a Commercial Use Authorization to guide paddlers on the National Park Service controlled, Rio Grande River’s Lower Canyons. But, I am so happy to have taken the course for many other reasons. The truism, it’s not what you know that is important; it’s not what you don’t know that is important; what is truly important is, discovering what you don’t know you don’t know. I discovered on this course so many useful responses to injury and illness that I am sheepish that I didn’t take this class a decade ago. In any case, I feel ready and I almost hope someone gets sick or hurt on my upcoming trips so I can practice what I learned.
One last comment, my 10 fellow students in the class were great and although I was old enough to be the father of many of them they put up with my stories of frostbite and coached me through some difficult acronyms and protocols. Thanks.
Those that know me will not be surprised that I opted for December in Santa Barbara to take this class. Blue skies, flip flops, Cobb Salads and California Quail….nice
Last year, when we pinned a canoe, I was happy that I had the foresight to carry a comprehensive repair kit so that we were able to bring the Mad River Slipper back to life after it was nearly trisected. Now I know that I need an equally comprehensive medical kit on board in case one of my paddlers has a similar catastrophic event.
For environmental (and economic reasons) I am wondering if any of my readers have some medical supplies they are willing to donate to the effort. Stuff languishing behind bathroom mirrors or on basement shelves. Doodads that are no longer needed by you but could be a life saver on one of my trips into the wilds.
Here is what I need:
A stethoscope
A blood pressure cuff (sphygmometer)
epipen (outdated is ok as long as the epinephrine is still clear)
eye cup
good tweezers
any unopened sterile bandages or gauze
splints
space blanket
5×8 sylnylon tarp
latex gloves (large)
horse wrap tape
Let me know if you can help.
Best, Rob