This letter will serve to introduce you to Wilderness Emergency Care or "WEC" Advanced First Aid courses for 2010 including the Parks Emergency Responder or PER courses run under contract to Portage College. There are six WEC refreshers, one full WEC course adn two PER refreshers scheduled so far in 2010.

WEC Refreshers are normally five days and are presently scheduled on:
a. May 3 - 7, 2010 in Canmore, AB - 5 spots left
b. October 18 - 22, 2010 in Canmore, AB - 10 spots left
c. October 25 - 29, 2010 in Golden, BC - 10 spots left
d. November 15 - 19, 2010 in Canmore, AB - 10 spots left
e. November 22 - 26, 2010 in Revelstoke, BC - 10 spots left
f. November 29 - December 3, 2010 in Canmore, AB - 10 spots left

The WEC full course is scheduled for September 27 - October 8, 2010 in Canmore, AB. Cost of the course is $700.00 including textbook, supplies and a first aid kit for each participant. ($100 value). The course includes CPR, AED, Advanced Wilderness First Aid plus First Responder certifications. We anticipate this course will fill rapidly so please contact as soon as possible to obtain an application form and further details.

Special Note: 90 percent of all of the WEC refreshers in 2008 and 2009 were booked completely to capacity. Do not book your spot at the last minute or you may risk not getting on the dates that you prefer. Remaining spots listed as available are as of March 15, 2010.

Cost of the WEC refresher is $420 including GST, handouts and a new SAM(r) splint. Your textbook is not included in the fees for the refresher. Textbooks may now be rented as well as purchased, but only by prior arrangement. If your certificate has expired, contact our office for special pricing on attending a full course. Course dates are subject to change without notice. (CMH employees contact Kendra Tippe in the Banff CMH office to book your spot.)

NOTE regarding meeting location and times: All courses begin at 08:00 AM. The WEC courses in Canmore are at the Bill Warren Training Centre (beside the Canmore Nordic Centre). The Golden and Revelstoke course venues are still to be announced. All course locations are subject to change as conditions dictate. For all other courses please contact the office. Visit the website Course Meeting Times and Places page to confirm starting times, dates and venues before any course you are attending.

There are two closed PER / Parks Emergency Responder refreshers so far in 2009. Dates and locations are:
a. Jasper, AB, May 10 - 14, 2010 - 2 spots left
NOTE: no further PER courses will be scheduled for 2010

There are no full PER courses scheduled so far this year. If you are a warden, public safety specialist or resource management specialist and need a PER full course or refresher, contact the public safety supervisor in your park. Please note, PER courses are administered through Portage College NOT Rescue Dynamics.

To confirm a spot on a WEC course, you must prepay a $100.00 non-transferable, non-refundable deposit and complete the application form. Please note, course fees include textbook price on the full course only and not the refresher. Cheques should be made payable to Rescue Dynamics. We also accept MasterCard(r) and Visa(r). If you wish to pay by credit card and/or fax in your application, you must download the WEC full course application forms or the WEC Refresher Course Application Forms AND the booking and cancellation policy and credit card form which contain all of the forms you need to complete your application.

If you have not paid, your spot is NOT booked. The balance of payment is due eight weeks prior to the course beginning. (If less than four weeks before a course, phone to ensure availability.) To avoid being disappointed, book immediately upon receiving this letter. If enrollment is inadequate, we reserve the right to cancel a course and refund your course fees in full. See our website for complete cancellation policies and procedures.

There are several prerequisites. You must have obtained a CPR level C Health Care Providers certificate including 1 & 2 person & infant CPR within the last 12 months. It MUST be the Health Care Providers version and not the public version of the course. It MUST have been taught to the new December 2005 guidelines. (If you don't know "30 and 2" then you must renew). If you are attending a WEC refresher and do not have current CPR it is possible that a CPR / AED refresher will be run on Tuesday evening concurrent with your course if more than three people are interested.

For full courses you must have a valid standard first aid certificate or equivalent (EMFA is equivalent). For the refresher, you must have completed a WEC or equivalent advanced first aid course or refresher in the last 36 months. Equivalencies must be approved by Rescue Dynamics before the course begins.

NEW NEW NEW / IMPORTANT:

In 2005 we began using a new pre-course homework assignment that is be handed in before your final exams are written. You must print it and complete it before the course begins. It requires Adobe Acrobat 5.0 or higher to print. If you get an error message the most common reason is that you are using an old copy of Acrobat. If you have problems printing the worksheets we can mail you a printed copy. You can only get to this document directly at this URL. There is a new version of the worksheet for 2009 and subsequent courses. The older 2006 worksheet is still available as an aid to study and requires that you download and review the new CPR Guidelines in order to complete all of the questions. The worksheets are PDF files and will download when you click the respective links..

The course content is outlined on the course schedule which can be mailed out to you or downloaded from our website. If you have never been on a WEC course, you have never done anything like this before. The course is extremely intense. You average 9 hours a day in theory and practical sessions. This is longer than most people are used to. There will be practical evening sessions on many days. Do NOT schedule any other courses, activities or social engagements during the entire period of the course. On the weekend off during a full course plan to relax, study and practice. Experience shows that students need all their time to commit to the course to study and succeed without physical and psychological strain

If you miss a class, we consider you to be an adult student and you are responsible to pick up information you missed. Experience also shows that missing an hour or two may not be fatal but missing a day of class almost universally results in failure.

Missing more than one day of class automatically results in failure.

We will provide all of the instructional and first aid equipment. Your handouts, SAM(r) splint and your student skill sheets are included in your fees. Your textbook is included in the fees for the full course but not the refresher.

On full courses we do outdoor simulations, so please be sure your clothing can handle changes in weather, including heat, cold, wind, rain, snow, sun and insects. Bring a set of clothing that can get wet and dirty. Please bring some outdoor equipment for improvisation sessions and for adding reality to simulations. Your instructors will tell you on which days they will be required. Packs, paddles, skis, poles, sleeping pads, throw bags, ice axes and any other gear you may use is great. The more variety, the better.

You are responsible for your own meals, accommodation and transportation for the entire course. Bring your own pencil, pen and notebook / paper for taking notes in class. The meeting time and place for your specific course will be conveyed to you when you pay your course fees. Questions? Call or send email to

Sincerely

Cyril Shokoples IFMGA
Chief Instructor / Mountain Guide

WILDERNESS EMERGENCY CARE

DAILY COURSE OUTLINE
©2003 Rescue Dynamics

NOTICE: The course schedule below is due to be revised just after Autumn 2005, in large part to address childbirth and the introduction of a new textbook. Use the information below as a general guideline only.

Unauthorized duplication is absolutely forbidden - revision 021212

	Lesson Name	Reference - 3rd Edition OEC	Reference - 4th Edition OEC
1	Introduction & Orientation
2	Roles, Responsibilities & Legal	(handout)	(handout)
3	Trip Planning & Accident Prevention	(handout)	(handout)
4	Wilderness Accident Management	(handout)	(handout)
5	An Overview of Human Anatomy	(chapter 2 & 3)	(chapter 2)
40	Body Substance Isolation	(appendix F & lecture)	(Page 55-60 & lecture)
6	Diagnostic Signs	(chapter 3)	(chapter 3)
7	Body Survey & Vitals Practical	(chapter 19 & skill sheets)	(chapter 7 & skill sheets)
	Day 2
8	Records, Reports & History Taking	(chapter 4)	(chapter 7)
9	Respiratory System	(chapter 2 & 14)	(chapter 4 & 6)
11	Chest Injuries	(chapter 14)	(chapter 22)
12	Oxygen Administration & Suction	(chapter 5)	(chapter 6)
13	Oxygen Administration & Suction Practical	(skill sheets)	(skill sheets)
14	Circulatory System	(chapter 2 & 6)	(chapter 4 & 8)
10	Artificial Ventilation Review	(chapter 4 & 5)	(chapter 6)
15	CPR review	(chapter 4 / appendix B)	(CHF materials)
	Evening skills stations	(practical)	(practical)
	Day 3
16	Bleeding & 17 Soft Tissue Injuries	(chapter 6 & 7)	(chapter 8 & 19)
18	Dressing & Bandaging Practical	(skill sheets)	(skill sheets)
19	Shock	(chapter 6)	(chapter 9)
20	Musculoskeletal System	(chapter 2)	(chapter 4)
71	Lifting & Moving - Practical	(chapter 20 & skill sheets)	(chapter 27 & skill sheets)
21	Orthopedic Injuries	(chapter 9, 10, 11 & 21)	(chapter 24)
22	Upper Extremity Injuries	(chapter 10)	(chapter 25)
23	Upper Extremity - Practical	(skill sheets)	(skill sheets)
	Day 4
	Review
24	Pelvis & Lower Extremity Injuries	(chapter 11)	(chapter 25)
25	Pelvis & Lower Extremity - Practical	(skill sheets)	(skill sheets)
26	Central Nervous System	(chapter 2)	(chapter 26)
27	Injuries of the Skull & Brain	(chapter 12)	(chapter 26)
28	Injuries of the Spine	(chapter 13)	(chapter 26)
29	Injuries of the Spine - Practical	(skill sheets)	(skill sheets)
30	Eyes, Ears, Nose & Throat	(chapter12)	(chapter20 & 21)
	Evening skills stations	(practical)	(practical)
	Day 5
	Review Session
31	Abdomen & Digestive System	(chapter 2)	(chapter 4)
32	Injuries to the Abdomen & Acute Abd	(chapter 15, 16 & 17)	(chapter 13 & 23)
33	Gastrointestinal & Genitourinary	(chapter 16)	(chapter 23)
34	Triage	(lecture / chapter 22)	(lecture / chapter 28 & 29)
69	Patient Positioning	(lecture)	(lecture)
70	Improvisation Techniques	(practical)	(practical)
	Simulations	(practical)	(practical)
	Day 6
	Review Session
35	Cardiac Emergencies	(chapter 17)	(chapter 11)
36	CVA	(chapter 17)	(chapter 12)
37	Pulmonary Disorders (Dyspnea) & Asthma	(chapter 16)	(chapter 10)
38	Diabetes	(chapter 17)	(chapter 13)
	Unconsciousness & Seizures		(chapter 12)
41	Hypothermia	(chapter 18)	(chapter 15)
	Day 7
42	Frostbite	(chapter 18)	(chapter 15)
43	Heat Emergencies	(chapter 18)	(chapter 15)
44	Burns & UV Injuries	(chapter 7 & 18)	(chapter 15 & 19)
45	Lightning & Electrical Injuries	(chapter 18)	(chapter 19)
46	Hazardous Materials	(lecture)	(Appendix 2)
48	Drowning & Near Drowning	(chapter 25)	(chapter 15)
72	Wilderness Patient Transportation	(chapter 20 & practical)	(chapter 27 & practical)
75	One on One Simulations Session A	(practical)	(practical)
	Day 8
	Review Session
52	Avalanche Related Injuries	(chapter 18)	(chapter 15)
54	Climbing Related Injuries	(lecture)	(lecture)
56	Medical Problems related to Altitude	(chapter 18)	(chapter 15)
57	Poisons	(chapter 23)	(chapter 13)
58	Allergies, Stings & Bites	(chapter 24)	(chapter 13)
60	Psychological Support	(lecture)	(page 49 - 52 & lecture)
75	One on One Simulations Session B	(practical)	(practical)
61	Helicopters & Aircraft	(handout)	(handout)
	Evening skills stations	(practical)	(practical)
	Day 9
	Review Session
64	Non-Emergent Medical Problems	(chapter 16 & lecture)	(appendix D & lecture)
66	Medications	(appendix C, D & lecture)	(appendix C, D & lecture)
67	First Aid Kits	(appendix D & lecture)	(appendix C & lecture)
68	Emergency Communications	(lecture)	(lecture)
65	Prolonged Backcountry Care	(appendix C & lecture)	(appendix D & lecture)
75	One on One Simulations Session C	(practical)	(practical)
	Day 10
	Morning - Written Examination
	Afternoon - Practical Examinations
		Time
	TOTALS	90.00

Optional Module Topics (ask instructor for details)

Professional CPR / AED recertification
Diving Related Injuries (Barotrauma)
Substance Abuse
Pediatric Patients
Water Self Rescue Awareness
Ice Rescue Awareness
Avalanche Awareness
Climbing Self Rescue Awareness
Rope Rescue Awareness

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WILDERNESS EMERGENCY CARE - REFRESHER COURSE OUTLINE 051022

NOTE: NEW 2009 refresher outline will be uploaded to this site shortly

DAY ONE - (page and chapter numbers refer to 4th Edition OEC)

o Introduction and Orientation
o Legal (handout)
o Body Substance Isolation (Page 55-60 & lecture)
o Trauma Review Session 1
o Shock (chapter 9)
o Rapid Trauma Survey (chapter 5 & skill sheets)
o Load & Go Practice
o Professional Basic Life Support - Practical
o Oxygen & Resuscitation - Practical (chapter 6)
o Suction - Practical (chapter 6)
o CPR (One & Two person with adjuncts)
o AED (beginning in 2006) - Practical
o Patient Assessment & Vital Signs - Practical (chapter 5 & skill sheets)

DAY TWO

o Patient Assessment - Practical
o Trauma Review Session 2
o Injuries of the Skull & Brain (chapter 26)
o Chest Injuries (chapter 22)
o Chest Injuries - Practical
o Bleeding & Bandaging - Practical (chapter 8 & 19)
o Triage (chapter 28 & 29)
o Patient Positioning
o Medical Emergencies Review Session 1
o Unconsciousness (chapter 12)
o Seizures & Seizure Disorders (chapter 12)
o Cardiac Emergencies(chapter 11)
o Orthopedic Injuries & Splinting 1 - Practical (chapter 24)
o Upper Extremity (chapter 25)

DAY THREE

o Patient Assessment & Splinting Scenario - Practical
o Medical Emergencies Review Session
o Abdominal Injuries and Complaints (chapter 13 & 23)
o Diabetes (chapter 13)
o Pulmonary Emergencies, Asthma & Allergies (chapter 10)
o Cerebrovascular Accidents (chapter 12)
o Spinal Injuries, Lifting & Moving - Practical (chapter 26 & 27)
o Environmental Injuries Review Session 1
o Altitude (chapter 15)
o Lightning (chapter 19)
o Heat (Burns & Hyperthermia) (chapter 15 & 19)
o Cold (Frostbite & Hypothermia) (chapter 15)
o Orthopedic Injuries & Splinting 2 - Practical
o Lower Extremity & Femur (chapter 25)
o Evening Skill Stations - Practical

DAY FOUR

o Environmental Injuries Review Session 2
o Submersion Injuries (chapter 15)
o Poisons (chapter 13)
o Stings / Bites (chapter 13)
o Extended Care Review Session - Prolonged Care (appendix D)
o Childbirth (chapter 17)
o Emergency Simulations

DAY FIVE - EXAMINATIONS- 8 hours

INFORMATION TO STUDENTS ATTENDING A WEC REFRESHER

Although the Course outline lists specific topic areas which will be covered during the refresher course, the student is responsible to study materials beyond those covered in classroom lectures. You will receive a copy of the objectives for the full Wilderness Emergency Care Program as offered by Rescue Dynamics. The course examinations for both the refresher and full courses are developed directly from these objectives.

For maximum benefit, the Pre- Course Assignments should be completed before the course commences. They are to be handed in before the final examinations begin,

In order to study for the course examinations you may choose to use the objectives as a direct aid for what you should know. If a topic is not mentioned in the objectives, it is highly unlikely that an examination question will deal with that subject matter. Above all, stress the understanding of the basics. This means be aware of the basic signs and symptoms, the basics of treatment, the basics of the physiology involved.

Do not concern yourself with the hospital or paramedical treatment protocols. We test your knowledge regarding care and treatment in the field. If specific topic areas are of particular concern to you, be sure to inform your instructor. If you can speak to him/her at the end of a class day, they may well prepare a short lecture on that topic for the next day during the general review session.

It is important to remember not to be afraid of asking questions during the review sessions.

(Note: Pediatrics, Diving and Psychological Support are no longer covered in the refresher but childbirth has now been added)

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Further Information, Comments, Suggestions?
Cyril Shokoples

Rescue Dynamics
5109 - 17A Avenue NW
Edmonton, AB, Canada T6L 1K5
phone (780) 461-5040

Copyright © 1999 / 2004 Cyril Shokoples
All rights reserved. Terms & Conditions apply.