What Now?
Ultimate Everything. A climb you feel holds true to it’s name until your leader slips: leg behind the rope, falling 20 feet, impacting head first.
What should you do now?
Extrication is only the first step of the chain of survival — decisive first aid and extended care are the other parts of the life-saving equation. A structured and well-rehearsed response can make the difference between life and death.
Lower & Secure the Leader
Have a good enough grasp of your rope systems to be able to lower and secure your leader, allowing you to escape the belay and provide the care necessary to save their life.
Deal with Immediate Life Threats
Check their airway, and make sure they are breathing. Make sure they have a pulse, and do a rapid body survey to see if there are any major bleeds.
Call in Backup
Once immediate life threats are dealt with, it’s time to call in Search and Rescue using your cell phone or a satellite signaling device. Are the injuries not serious enough to warrant rescue? Continue with the assessment.
Keep them Warm
Hypothermia is a constant threat in any backcountry rescue, especially in the cold or wet! Don’t forget that while you may be heating up from the exertion, your friend, who has probably lost some blood, is cooling down rapidly. Keep them nice and toasty by providing extra layers.
Assess and Treat and Make an Extrication Plan
The major threats are dealt with — but you aren’t out of the woods yet! Do a thorough assessment of your patient, creating a problem list as you go. Then treat any minor injuries found and create a plan for extended care. Start making a plan for how you will self-extricate from the environment.
Every backcountry adventure comes with risk, but with proper training — including a focus on relevant, hands-on scenario practice — you can be prepared for the unexpected. From in-depth, informed assessments and rapid, effective treatments to planning your evacuation, Rock Rescue Remote First Aid will get you ready to act decisively if the unthinkable occurs.
Learn the structure of an effective response, apply it to realistic and relevant problems your instructors throw your way, and problem-solve your way out of backcountry emergencies!
Learn more and register below!
Tuition from
$489
Duration
24 Hours
Are you dreaming of summer multi-pitch rock adventures? Coast Wilderness Medical Training has partnered with Bronwyn Hodgins to deliver three days absolutely packed with the engaging and dynamic training you need to get ready.
Join Bronwyn along with wilderness first aid specialist Marley Hamilton, and learn technical rock rescue skills integrated with hands-on remote first aid, all delivered with an intense climbing focus. This is three days of learning that you won’t forget, and that will leave you prepared for your adventures!