Wilderness EMT - Outdoor First Aid - Emergency Wilderness Rescue Requirements

Functional Position Description for Wilderness Medicine Providers

Introduction

The following qualifications, competencies and tasks are required of wilderness medical providers. Wilderness medical certification will only be issued to those students who fulfill these requirements.

Students who participate in a course and pass all written and practical exams but do not meet the following qualifications, competencies and tasks may receive a Letter of Successful Completion in place of a certification.

Qualifications

1. You must be at least 18 years of age on the first day of the course. If you are under 18 years of age but at least 16 years of age on the first day of the course, written proof of parental consent must be provided by the first day of the course. Generally, a high school education or equivalent is necessary to master the knowledge and skills required of wilderness medicine providers.
2. You must be able to communicate orally via radio and telephone. You must have the ability to interpret written, oral, and diagnostic form instructions. You must have the ability to read English language manuals, road maps, and road signs (U.S. courses only). You must have the ability to calculate medication dosages based on body weight/mass. You must have the ability to interview patients, family members, and bystanders. You must have the ability to document all relevant information in the prescribed format. You must have the ability to converse in English with co-workers and other rescue personnel (U.S. courses only). You must be able to perform the physical and diagnostic skills required for the level of certification. This includes determining blood pressure and lung sounds (WFR, WEMT and WALS certification levels).
3. You must have the ability to assist in lifting, carrying and balancing a person weighing up to 300 pounds (136 kilograms). You must posses good manual dexterity, with the ability to perform all tasks related to the highest quality patient care. You must have the ability to access another person on uneven terrain; to work in confined spaces; and to withstand extreme environmental conditions.
4. You must have the ability to use good judgment and remain calm in high stress situations.
5. You must successfully complete both written exams and practical skills performance and testing conducted by Wilderness Medical Associates.

Competency Areas

1. You must demonstrate competency in assessing a patient, handling emergencies, and utilizing Basic Life Support equipment and procedures to the level of certification.
2. You must be able to determine blood pressure and lung sounds at the WFR, WEMT and WALS certification levels.
3. You must demonstrate the ability to perform CPR, control hemorrhaging, properly assess and stabilize an injured spine, manage fractures and other musculoskeletal injuries, reduce simple dislocations, cleanse and dress wounds, and manage environmental emergencies.

Description of Tasks

This is a generalized summary of tasks a wilderness medical care provider may perform.

1. Performs all skills related to the highest patient care while using discretion and professionalism. This includes but is not limited to acknowledging and practicing respect for the patient’s rights and privacy.
2. Determines the nature and extent of illness or injury, measure pulse rates and blood pressure, assesses respiratory status (including determining lung sounds at the WFR, WEMT and WALS certification levels), observes changes in skin color, searches for medical alert identification. Establishes priority for emergency care. Renders appropriate care to competency level.
3. Accesses and assists in the extrication of a patient from an entrapment. Is knowledgable and able to use or assist in the use of accepted rescue and medical techniques, procedures, and devices as needed. Assists in evacuating patient to an ambulance or medical facility. Uses accepted emergency medical techniques, procedures, and devices.
4. Reports nature and extent of illness or injury to ambulance personnel or receiving facility via radio. Establishes on-line medical control as needed. Continually reassess patient during evacuation and provides care as needed.
5. Works in extreme environmental conditions and various terrains.
6. Documents and reports both orally and in the prescribed format to ambulance or hospital personnel.