Wilderness First Aid Topic Descriptions Presented by Slipstream
Improvised Splinting Techniques
In this camp, we will explore techniques for constructing improvised splints that will maintain an injured limb immobile, thus preventing further damage to the injury site. Splinting material that can be bought, re-purposed from other gear, or scavenged from the bush has all been proven to be very effective in immobilizing injured limbs and torsos. Spend an hour doing some arts and crafts projects with us and learn to immobilize your buddy!
Hypothermia – Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Why don’t people typically die of hypothermia when they die in cold-water? Why is getting naked in a sleeping bag not a valid rewarming technique? What are the “umbles”? In this camp, we will provide an in-depth introduction of hypothermia and attempt to dispel long and tightly held myths surrounding this condition. We will discuss the current, evidence-based science around hypothermia, as well as its prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, including when and how to rewarm a patient. A warm, dry burrito will wrap this camp up nicely!
Improvised Stretcher Techniques
In this camp, we will construct a number of improvised stretchers using materials and techniques available in most wilderness settings. Participants will test-drive these stretchers and and experiment with ‘pro-tips’ for effectively carrying non-ambulatory patients over different terrains. Appropriate footwear is highly recommended if you want to participate.
Canadian Tick and Critter Encounters
Did you know that Lyme Disease is virtually 100% preventable? That a inhalable virus carried by a widespread mouse species has almost a 50% death rate, no matter what we do? That the cut-and-suck technique of dealing with a pit viper bite can actually speed up the venom getting into the bloodstream? From eight legs to no-legs, creepy crawlies, slithering side-winders, infectious and venomous critters – we’ll cover it all. The facts and myths surrounding bites, stings, and more will be explored until your skin crawls!
The Wilderness Medicine Camp will be centrally located as it will also serve as the event’s first aid station.
About Slipstream
Being a professional in the outdoor industry is challenging, intense, and fun. Professionals require training, practical hands-on skills and technical information to gain the confidence necessary to ensure the safety of people under their care.
Slipstream Wilderness First Aid, founded in 1990, is an industry-leading Wilderness First Aid training organization, expanding services across BC, Alberta, Yukon, Nunavut, the Northwest Territories and Japan. Wilderness First Aid certification provides the tools necessary to make critical medical & evacuation decisions and the ability to implement long-term care and stabilization until medical help arrives.
Instructors who have extensive professional experience in the outdoors and medical/first aid fields teach our programs. Slipstream prepares our graduates: outdoor professionals, certified First Responders and outdoor enthusiasts, to work and play anywhere in the world. Our training is delivered through 50 to 90 hours of evidence-based training using hands-on practice, case studies, and realistic simulations with 40+ annual course offerings. Emphasis is placed on providing students with a well-grounded background in three main principles: safety of self and others, respect for self and others and respect for natural and cultural environments.
Slipstream Wilderness First Aid training is made to stick and builds the confidence it takes and gives you the tools you need to know, before your wilderness adventure begins. As a testimony to our confidence in our training, Slipstream offers an unrivaled and unique training warranty.
Slipstream is the program sponsor for the Wilderness Medicine theme camp. If you are interested in providing financial sponsorship for this theme camp, please contact us.