Wildland Firefighter First Aid

Program Benefits:

A 16 to 24 hour first aid course designed specifically for the challenges of wildland firefighting.  The course emphasizes the wildland fire environment and the risks and hazards faced by firefighters on its front lines.  Focus on wildland firefighting epidemiology, prevention of injuries, emergency communications, patient movement, head and spine issues, musculoskeletal injuries, wounds, burns, major trauma, environmental issues, and evacuation.  Emphasis is on practical, hands-on skills with lectures, case studies, demos, skill practices, and scenarios.  Competency evaluated through participation, skill demonstration, and a final exam.  Taught by University of Colorado School of Medicine faculty.

 

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This 16 hour course focuses on prevention, assessment, and treatment of both common and life threatening injuries to wildland firefighters in their unique austere environment.  Recommended course for any Type 1 or Type 2 crew member.  Includes powerpoint lectures, video instruction, practicing of hands-on skills, case studies, practice quizzes, and a required final exam. Designed for those with little or dated first aid training.

This 16 hour course focuses on prevention, assessment, and treatment of both common and life threatening injuries to wildland firefighters in their unique austere environment.  Recommended course for any Type 1 or Type 2 crew member.  Includes powerpoint lectures, video instruction, practicing of hands-on skills, case studies, practice quizzes, and a required final exam. Designed for those with little or dated first aid training.

To see a sample syllabus, please click here..

  1. Patient has hopped off small boulder, about 2 feet high, and they landed awkwardly, with ankle rolling and collapsing on them. They are found on their side, on the ground, clutching their ankle and moaning in pain.  The ankle has a softball sized swelling – it looks bad.

It is cool out and the ground is wet from hose spray.  The scene is safe, there is one patient, and once there is communication with the patient, the MOI is known.

Patient briefing – It is only your ankle that hurts, nothing else.  Be real, your ankle REALLY hurts!  If they do physical on other body parts complain – it’s just your ankle that hurts.  “Why are you looking in my @#$%^& mouth!!!?”  If and when they splint it, if they are good and gentle, just moan as they administer.  If they are not gentle, then COMPLAIN!  Once it is splinted, it feels much better and you can limp on it.

Facilitators — What to look for:

  • Scene assessment (safety, MOI, numbers)
  • Communication – team introduces itself, gets permission to treat, asks for and uses patient’s name
  • Do they get patient off the ground – letting patient move themselves
  • Good and 100% physical exam
  • Complete SAMPLE history
  • At least 2 sets of vitals (HR, RR, and mental status)
  • Did they do a good splint – check CSM before and after? Does it prevent excess movement?

For more scenarios, please click here.

It is far more practical and useful that a traditional first aid/emt course, as it takes into account our remote work location and lack of resources.
This class is incredibly helpful for anyone who ventures out into the wilderness, but is especially crucial for wildland firefighters. The wilderness is our work place.
This is definitely the most I have learned from a first aid class and what we learned is highly applicable to situations we could encounter.
It is a very informative class. Especially to my wildland folks. This can really assist with keeping the scene calm and safe during a medical event. Would really help you prepare and take the appropriate steps needed to provide the patient with immediate care.
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