Prepare for self-rescue

Southeast Expedition Medical is hosting a discounted wilderness first aid class for cavers at the beautiful Cloudland Canyon State Park. Heated group lodging is included! Two (2) spots in the course are reserved for active cave rescue unit members, and NSS or affiliated grotto members receive a $100 discount for the course. Proof of NSS or grotto membership is due 10 days before the course begins.

COURSE INFORMATION​

With special focus on injuries and illness common in caving, this course focuses on basic assessment and treatment skills where emergency assistance may not be readily available. This certification builds on the concepts of basic first aid and applies it to settings where environmental factors (such as heat or cold) can complicate treatment, extended treatment times may be required, and where improvisation is necessary due to limited resources.

To fit this into a little over 2 days requires that this be an intensive course. The material is fast-paced, and participants are encouraged to read topics in advance using resources we will provide. Please come to each session 15 minutes in advance so that we can begin on time.

COURSE PREREQUISITES

Course participants must possess a current in date certification in Adult CPR/AED certification from the American Red Cross or similar organization. However, since there is great need in the caving community for these courses, a blended (partially online) American Red Cross Adult CPR/AED can also be completed as part of this WFA course. This will require completion of all online course materials prior to the beginning of the course, and attendance of the Friday evening CPR/AED skills session.

American Red Cross require​ments do not allow us to waive this option!

IF YOU ARE ALREADY CERTIFIED IN ADULT CPR, you will not need to start the course until Saturday morning at 7:45am. Please provide proof of certification at least 10 days prior to the course. 

INSTRUCTORS

Christopher Lee, Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT-B)

• American Red Cross WFA/CPR/AED/BLS Instructor
• American College of Surgeons Stop the Bleed Instructor

Jennifer Young, Wilderness Emergency Medical Responder (NREMT-R)

• American Red Cross WFA/CPR/AED Instructor

CERTIFICATION

This course will provide the following certifications:

• American Red Cross – Wilderness and Remote First Aid
• American College of Surgeons – Stop the Bleed (B-CON basic)
• Optional American Red Cross Adult CPR/AED (if you are already certified, proof of certification is due 10 days before the course begins)
  

This course material is also in conformance with:

• The Wilderness Medicine Education Collaborative (WMEC) WFA certification standards
• The Boy Scouts of America Wilderness First Aid Curriculum and Doctrine

LOGISTICS

Gear List

The object of this course is to prepare to provide emergency care in the situations that you normally encounter. Although this course will be held above ground, pack for this trip in the same way that you would pack for a horizontal cave trip with a lengthy approach hike. Our scenarios are REALISTIC, REAL-LIFE scenarios*. Be respectful of your and your classmate's learning experience by bringing your real gear and taking scenarios seriously. Keep an eye on the weather before the course, and plan on spending plenty of time outside above ground, regardless of the conditions. 

Gear recommendations include:

Basics  

• Cave pack
• Extra layers
• Helmet and light sources
• Knee pads
• Any emergency gear you usually carry

Comfort items

• Water bottle
• Snacks
• Foam pad to sit on

Class gear

• Notebook and writing utensil
  
• Camp chair (for outdoor classtime)
  
• Proof of online learning completion

Overnight gear

• Bedding
• Personal cookware (cups, plates, cutlery, etc)
  
• Other typical overnight supplies
  

Time

WFA + CPR/AED meets at 7pm on Friday

WFA only meets at 8am on Saturday

Online coursework for hybrid CPR is a 1-2 hour time commitment, depending on existing familiarity with the material.

Schedule

• Friday evening, 7-9p (MANDATORY CPR for those not already certified)
• Saturday morning, 8a-12p
• Saturday afternoon, 1-5p
• Saturday evening, 7-9p (Practice Scenario in the woods, may run longer than listed)
• Sunday morning, 8a-12p
• Sunday afternoon, 1-5p (all gear must be packed and the remainder of class will be outdoors)
  

Lodging

Indoor lodging is included at the training facility, the Group Lodge! Lodging fees are included in the course, but you will need to pay for your parking permit separately. The lodge is heated, with its own furnishings (tables, chairs, twin bunk beds), bathroom, showers, commercial kitchen with pots/pans included, grill, and fire pit. This site has tables, chairs, twin size bunk beds, a commercial kitchen with utensils, pots and pans included. This is a COMMUNITY FOCUSED course. Each person is responsible for helping out as an active part in the group’s everyday camping tasks including: cooking, cleaning, equipment set up and break down, etc. Living with other people in close conditions requires practice in understanding and tolerance. All participants should be prepared to work within the group’s dynamics.

Site Details:

• Earliest Check-in Time for participants: 5:30 pm
• Latest Check-out Time: 2:00 pm, please have all gear packed by lunchtime on Sunday
  
• Furnished: Y
• Non-Smoking: Y
• Stove/Oven: Y
• Picnic Table: Y
• Shower/Bath Type: Shower Stall
• Air Conditioned/Heated: Y
• BBQ/Grill: Y
• Fire Ring: Y
• GIS Details Latitude: 34.83065
• GIS Details Longitude: -85.47905
• Kitchen Utensils: Y
• Num of Bedrooms: 4
• Num of Beds: 20
• Parking: At Site
• Refrigerator: Y

For information on park rules and reservation policies please visit their website.

Rules and regulations are posted at site offices and must be observed by everyone.

Cost

The cost is $270/person, with a $100 discount for cavers. This covers lodging and your ARC certification with a fee for consumable materials used during the course. Typical providers charge more than $300/person for this course, and it will be no less robust or valuable for the discounted price. 

Read our complete course policies HERE.

* Content discussed during the course is often graphic and explicit. Southeast Expedition Medical firmly believes in being direct and factual regarding medical information and scenarios to best prepare students for real-world situations. Some scenarios will be completed with a high-level of realism, including occasional use of moulage or special effects makeup (SPFX). Please notify your instructor in advance of any anticipated concerns regarding realism in the course. Students may not be absent more than 10% of the course hours.