Wilderness First Aid

In my continuing effort to not die while out on the Pacific Crest Trail, or in general, I recently attended a NOLS Wilderness First Aid class, which was hosted by REI, with my girlfriend Cristina. The class was two full days and covered everything from treating blisters to what to do when someone is struck by lightning.  Luckily this class was nearby and didn’t require a long drive to some shady place like my ice axe class.

One of first things we learned  is how to perform a patient assessment (PAS), which was full of of  lists and acronyms.  When performing a  patient assessment you first want to check the scene, identifying any hazards, determining the method of injury (MOI),  put on gloves to protect yourself from any bodily substances (BSI), determine the number of patients and the general state of the patient.  In an emergency situation it may be difficult to remember all this so the provided us with our first list, which rhymes! (who doesn’t love a rhyming lists?)

• 1 – I’m number 1 – Check for hazards to make sure it’s safe to provide assistance
• 2 – What happened to you? –  Try to determine what happened
• 3 – Not on me – Be sure you have your gloves on
• 4 – How many more – Look for additional patients
• 5 – Dead or alive  – Don’t say this one loud enough for the patient to hear

Once you make it through the list, guess what comes next? That’s right, another list!  The next thing to check the patient for any life threats, after introducing yourself and gaining consent from the patient of course.

• A – Airway – Check for anything blocking the airways
• B – Breathing – Look and listen to asses breathing
• C – Circulation –  Check for pulse and any bleeding
• D – Disability – Stabilize neck and head if chance of a spinal injury
• E – Expose – Expose any serious wounds

Read the full story here.