WFR

"Hello, hello! Can you hear me? If you can hear me
squeeze my fingers.... *Pinch*... She's not responding.
She's not breathing. No pulse. Let's start CPR."

After just completing a 3 credit-hour Wilderness
First Responder class that was every day for 9 days
from 0800 to 1800 plus a couple evening classes, I
am ready to jump any time there seems to be a
problem. It was an amazing class that I immensely
enjoyed.

Wilderness rescue was what we learned about--what
to do when you are weeks away from civilization.
We started with the most basic medical care, to doing
everything possible to keep your patient alive after
suffering from major trauma, environmental or medical
problems. We practiced doing assessments, performing
BLS (Basic Life Support), cleaning wounds, putting
joints back in place, tractioning broken bones, making
splints, making backboards, ruling out spinal cord
injuries, when to start/when to stop CPR, transporting
patients, and the list goes on...

The awesome thing about the class was that we learned
how to use resources that you would have with you
while in the wilderness, like paddles, tent poles,
backpacks, ropes, mattresses, webbing, etc.

I will have to admit that although I do feel much more
prepared, I'm a little bit apprehensive. Now I have a
better understanding of how to save lives, and I will
be expected to use it. I am accountable to use the
skills I have acquired.

The thought crossed my mind while taking this class,
I have skills to potentially save someone's life. What if
I am in the wilderness and come across someone
dying, will I say, "That's too bad" and walk by on the
other side? Of course not. But what if I meet someone
who is dying spiritually? Do I just say, "I hope
someone helps them!" and keep on walking?
I have the ability to possibly save their life--what
am I going to do about it?