Leader Fall on rock
This accident has been adapted from Accidents in North American Climbing 2021.[i] The accident was real. The discussion of actions is a hypothetical exercise to review wilderness medicine practices and critical thinking in emergencies.
Throughout this case study, I’ll indicate the scene and what happen in italics. Questions for the reader to consider before moving on are underlined. Everything else is discussion of wilderness medicine practices.
The WFA is a two day wilderness first aid course. At baseline this course teaches you everything you would expect out of a basic CPR and first aid class while also expanding in to other common medical, trauma and environmental based injuries. All of this is accomplished with a wilderness based twist* to providing care. This 2 day course format allows for a lot more hands on practice and discussion of how to apply the training than a typical one day CPR & First aid class.
I got asked by a guide service I work with to evaluate their first aid kits. This is a great topic and I wanted to share some thoughts on packing your own.