Arkansas Canoe Club Forums

Just a little FYI, going to need CPR and First Aid. It will be nice to have someone help me with Harlan, im running out of band-aids

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That's good. I'm surprised CPR wasn't required before. I'm glad they didn't go with wilderness first aid. It would be hard to find a class around here.

I recently took a combined Red Cross CPR/First Aid class. A CPR requirement is fine... but, the basic class lacks a lot in CPR for drowning victims, which is our highest probability. The First Aid requirement provides a lot less information than needs to be in place, particularly if you take the basic Red Cross class... and it focuses on how to use the new portable heart-shock devices... mostly in on-the-job injuries. All of us who teach on rivers need the more extensive Wilderness First Aid class, since it actually teaches techniques we need to understand if we're on a river away from where First Responders have easy access. All-in-all, it looks like ACA is putting in a standardized "basic CPR/First-aid" requirement to cover their backsides (not necessarily a bad idea) that will do little to improve safety on rivers...

Crane wrote:All of us who teach on rivers need the more extensive Wilderness First Aid class, since it actually teaches techniques we need to understand if we're on a river away from where First Responders have easy access.

Let me put this way, as a First Responder, I'm glad I don't have to find somewhere to take a wilderness first aid class too. lol

The ACC has offered several Wilderness First Aid classes over the years... As a First Responder, you might be surprised at the different mind set and creativity required to respond on rivers... My only point was that the basic First Aid, as currently taught, is of very little use to us and by requiring that instead of something worthwhile, I believe the ACA does a disservice to its instructors in that it costs, takes time that could otherwise be better used, and requires up-dating periodically. Perhaps, our First Responders could get certified to instruct a Wilderness class that would be worthwhile... ?? Not pushing, just suggesting... and complaining.

For those of you who are interested, I will be offering paddler specific wilderness first aid classes again in 2010.

The comments above are correct in regards to CPR, I strongly recommend "CPR for the professional rescuer" v/s basic CPR. The NW Chapter just sponsored this class last week and it was well attended. I would encourage all our chapters to consider hosting a class.

PM me if you are interested in information on our wilderness first aid courses. For groups of paddlers we have enhanced our standard curriculum to encompass water/paddling specific injuries and situations. Our courses offer a realistic approach and lots of hands on skill development.

Cheers,

Tom Burroughs

Exactly! Thanks!