The past eight days have been nothing but hectic for those
participating in the Wilderness First Responder course.
Bobbie Tumolo has been struck by lightning while rock
climbing.
Jenny Arkle has nearly drowned. Twice.
But by the end of the day, they could laugh it off because these
near-death experiences were simply scenarios, part of the
course’s elaborate simulations of remote back-country
accidents.
“Victims” may put on fake blood and even vomit
pudding to make the scenarios seem more realistic, said Arkle, a
rafting guide who works for Kern River Outfitters, Clear Creek
Rafting Company and Outdoor Unlimited.
The course participants also change their roles from scenario to
scenario so that they will have ample experience as both the victim
and the rescuer.
“The [rescuer] keeps in character, the patient keeps in
character,” Arkle said. “That’s what’s so
valid about this course ““ the simulations are as real as they
can get without compromising safety.”
Wilderness First Responder, which is offered through UCLA
Medical Center’s Center for Prehospital Care, allows those
interested in venturing into the outdoors to prepare for almost any
sort of wilderness emergency that may result from mountaineering,
skiing or water-related activities.
The class, which is in its third year of enrollment, took place
at the Sunset Canyon Recreation Center. It allowed participants
access to a classroom setting, the challenge course, and an open
field where many simulations took place.
“It’s a very intensive course, definitely worth the
time and effort,” said Lindsey Hoshaw, a UCLA alumna and an
Outdoor Adventures guide with UCLA Recreation. “(It teaches
you to deal) not only with wilderness emergencies but teaches you
to deal with (daily) emergencies.”
Though they often worked with small first aid kits called fast
packs, the course participants also learned how to improvise and
tend to the wounded with almost no traditional medical
supplies.
“The course is intended to go beyond the realm of
urban-oriented first aid,” said course instructor John
Jacobs.
Some of the simulations may seem improbable and extreme, but
several participants felt they were still valid and
educational.
“Severe multiple emergencies are (rare) like zebras, but
sometimes, you see zebras,” said Hoshaw, paraphrasing a
saying of Jacobs’.
Jacobs said he led the course participants through 72 hours of
training and simulations, some of which were videotaped to
“refine and distill their thinking and communication”
in stressful situations.
Jacobs debriefed his students after each of the simulations, and
the class then reviewed the tapes as a learning tool.
Many participants took the course to improve skills they need
for their jobs or hobbies.
“This [course] is going to improve my ability to care for
participants on my trip,” Hoshaw said.
Tumolo said she honed her existing survival skills and increased
her medical knowledge so she could be better prepared for an
emergency.
Though several of those taking the course already had some
survival training, none had any previous medical experience, Jacobs
said.
Wilderness First Responder helped them to become more confident
in their abilities, Arkle said.
“One of the most important things the course gave me was
confidence and experience in a variety of emergency situations that
I otherwise wouldn’t have,” Arkle said.