The student will learn basic wilderness first aid skills and CPR. The skills will include learning how to splint, bandage and stop bleeding. The team will act out scenarios and learn how to manage emergency situations. We will also have invited guests who will share their experience as outdoor guides. The group will also go off campus and visit certain areas in the White Mountains. The students will earn a Wilderness First Aid certification that will be good for 3 years.
Day 1
This morning we walked to the New Hampton Fire Station and learned first-hand what it takes to be a first responder.
In the afternoon we met with New Hampshire State Conservation Officer Josiah and listened to the importance of his profession and experiences being a first responder.
"Visiting the fire station and learning how to use a rescue rope and stretcher was an eye opening experience. The fire captain’s expertise made me realize how important these skills are in emergency situations. Later speaking with the police officer who rescues hikers and protects wildlife showed me the real world impact of wilderness first aid. I’m excited to learn these lifesaving techniques and develop problem solving skills. However, mastering these skills may be challenging, especially under stress. Wilderness first aid is valuable because it prepares us to help others in remote areas. I hope to use this knowledge to assist in emergencies and stay prepared for any situation." - Isiah Lett
Day 2
"Today we met with Paul Marcelino to start our Wilderness First Aid course. What stood out to me was how important quick thinking and problem solving are in emergencies. Learning these skills feels exciting because they could help save a life, but I know it will also be challenging to stay calm under pressure. I think this course is valuable because accidents can happen anywhere, especially in remote areas. By the end of the week, I hope to feel confident in handling medical situations and working as a team. I want to be prepared to help others when they need it most." - Isiah Lett
"Today we learned how to perform an examination on a person if they are responsive and unresponsive. It’s important to know whats going on with a patient so you can figure out the best way to help them. These skills can be helpful in both a wilderness and non-wilderness setting. Wilderness first aid is valuable because you learn how to help prevent further injury and get started on helping a patient before a person with more training gets there." -Kai Knight
Day 3
Today, we learned more about wilderness first aid, focusing on essential skills for handling emergencies in remote areas. With the guidance of an instructor, we practiced CPR and using an AED, gaining hands-on experience in life-saving techniques. In the evening, we watched Last Breath, a gripping documentary about a commercial diver who becomes trapped deep underwater with only minutes of oxygen left, fighting against impossible odds for survival.
Day 4
"This week so far has been such a good experience and I can’t wait to tell people about it. Today when we learned how to splint and deal with hypothermia, I was very impressed on how they deal with cases like those. I could apply this to my life by being outside and in the middle of nowhere then someone could be in trouble, and I can help them I can't wait to use that if necessary (hopefully I don’t have too though). I will always remember everything I was taught this week and never forget." -Jeffrey Joyce
Day 5
Today, we drove up to Pinkham Notch, located at the base of Mount Washington, the tallest peak on the East Coast at 6,288 feet. The clear conditions allowed us to see the summit from the road.
At the AMC Pinkham Notch Visitor Center, we met with a backcountry information specialist from the Appalachian Mountain Club. He shared insights into search and rescue efforts around the Presidential Range, recent avalanches, and the unpredictable weather patterns that make Mt. Washington so unique. We also learned about the importance of understanding weather conditions before hiking and saw maps of the many trails and huts in the area. Interestingly, Mt. Washington holds the record for the highest wind speed ever recorded at 231 mph in April 1939.
After our discussion, we took a short hike—about a quarter of a mile—up the snowy Pinkham Notch Trail to Crystal Cascades, a beautiful waterfall. We then turned around and returned to the visitor center before heading to North Conway, where we stopped for lunch at Flatbreads and enjoyed some amazing pizza. On the way back, we reflected on the day's experiences and compared them to our training from the week.
Credits:
Created with an image by encierro - "First aid kit. Be prepare for health problems and accident during hiking in wilderness"