Outdoor Recreation Wilderness First Aid Certification a big success

  • Published
  • By USAFE News Service
  • U.S. Air Forces in Europe Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, GERMANY --  Headquarters U.S. Air Forces in Europe (HQ USAFE) Services sponsored a Wilderness First Aid Certification Course, hosted by the 52nd Services Squadron at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany from August 14-16. Twelve outdoor recreation trip leaders from five USAFE bases and one Army base received the certification covering a wide range of wilderness medicine topics for people who travel in the outdoors.

Crossing Latitudes of Scandanavia, an affiliate National Outdoor Leadership School's Wilderness Medicine Institute, led the three day hands-on course and provided students with the knowledge, skills and ability to make sound decisions in emergency situations.

"Wilderness First Aid training stressed prevention as important as treatment", said Jeffery Heagerty who attended the training. "The knowledge gained will certainly have a positive impact on the safety of our adventure programs," he added.

The students covered many topics to include patient assessment, spinal and head injuries, shock, wound management, burns, musculoskeletal injuries, hypothermia, and other illnesses.

'Previously, it was cost-prohibitive for most of our staff to attend a stateside Wilderness First Aid course", stated Mr. Roger Braner, a Community Support Specialist from HQ USAFE Services. "So instead, we decided to bring the course to our staff in theater. By researching and finding a training source in Europe, we were able to train five times as many individuals as we could have sent to the U.S."

Air Force Outdoor Recreation activities support mission readiness through expertly managed programs and facilities that enhance the physical, emotional, social, mental, and spiritual health of Airmen and their families. Since these programs add an element of risk to participants, it is paramount to have well trained staff who are prepared for the unexpected.

Contact your local outdoor recreation center for information on trips and activities.