Wilderness and Remote First Aid

Wilderness & Remote First Aid Manual was updated from the original text developed by the Canadian Red Cross Society, Calgary, Alberta through input from across Canada. The manual has been updated from it's original waterproof version to a home reference guide with colour illustrations update WMS protocols and practices. The field guide is on waterproof paper and is designed to go into your pack as a quick reference towards your P.L.A.N.

  Chapter 1            Introduction

·      About the Red Cross WRFA and AWRFA courses            

·      About the two manuals

·      Differences between Wilderness and Urban FA

Chapter 2            Planning and Preparation

·      Leadership

·      Know what to expect

·      Essential for outdoor leaders

·      Legalities of First Aid

Chapter 3            Your Health

·      Preventing illness or injury

    - Purify your water

    - Stay hydrated

    - Prevent disease transmission

    - Keep the camp clean

    - Keep your gear and clothing clean and dry

    - Get enough sleep

Chapter 4             What is the P.L.A.N ?

·      Scene Survey

·      Primary Survey

·      Shock

·      Secondary Survey - Recovery Position

·      Determine the P.L.A.N. - Getting Help in  a Critical Emergency

Chapter 5            Airway Emergencies

·      Mild - Severe Choking

·      Conscious - Unconscious

·      Adult, Child, Baby

Chapter 6            Breathing and Circulation Emergencies

·      Hyperventilation - Asthma

·      Allergic Reactions - Anaphylaxis

·      Respiratory Arrest

·      Heart Attack - Angina

·      Cardiac Arrest

·      Stroke - TIA

·      Deadly Bleeding - Tourniquets

Chapter 7            First Aid for Respiratory and Cardiac Arrest

·      Adult, Child, Baby

·      A.E.D.

·      Special Considerations

·      AWRFA - Rescue Breathing and Pulse Checks

Chapter 8            Head and Spine Injuries

·      Prevention - Recognition

·      Inline Stabilization - Improvised Collars/ Backboards

·      Moving the person - BEAM - HAINES

·      Removing a Helmet

·      AWRFA - Discontinuing Spinal Precautions

·      Concussion - Scalp Injuries

Chapter 9            Bone, Muscle, and Joint Injuries

                   ·      Types, Causes, Prevention, Recognition

·      Closed vs. Open Fractures

·      Splinting Principles

·      AWRFA - In-Line Traction, Dislocation re-alignment

Chapter 10            Wound Care

·      Minor Wounds

·      Animal Bites

·      Blisters

·      Nose Bleeds - Knocked-out Teeth

·      Amputations

·      Evisceration

·      Crush Injuries

·      Ear, Eye Injuries

·      Gunshot wounds

·      Infection

·      Chest Injuries - Penetrating, Blunt, Flail Chest

·      Burns - Types, Prevention, Care.

Chapter 11            Cold and Heat Related Emergencies

·      Cold Related Injuries - Prevention

·      Hypothermia

·      Frost Nip and Frostbite

·      Immersion Foot ( Trench Foot)

·      Freezing to Metal Objects

·      Snow Blindness - Freezing of the Cornea

·      Heat Related Emergencies - Prevention

·      Heat Cramps - Heat Exhaustion - Heat Stroke

Chapter 12            Environmental Situations

·      Lightning

·      High Altitude Illness - Prevention

·      Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)

·      High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE)

·      High-Altitude Cerebral Edema ( HACE)

·      Water Related Injures - Prevention

·      Cold Water Immersion

·      Drowning - Types, Recognition, Care

·      Ice Rescues

·      Water Rescues

·      SCUBA Diving Emergencies - Gas Embolisms - Decompression Sickness

Chapter 13            Poisons

·      Prevention, Types, Recognition, Care

·      Carbon Monoxide - Hantavirus - Lyme Disease

·      Stings from Marine Life - Snakebites - Spider Bites - Leeches

Chapter 14            Medical Emergencies

·      Seizures

·      Diabetic Emergencies

·      Fainting

·     Childbirth - Expectant Mothers - Miscarriage

·      Digestive System Problems

Chapter 15            Evacuation and Transportation

·      Critical Emergencies

        - Messengers

        - Preparing for a Helicopter

·      Major Emergencies

        - Carries - Stretchers - Sleds - Boats

Chapter 16            Extended Care

·      Basic Priorities

·      Shelter / Site Selection - Fire - Water and Food

·      Mental Health -Critical Incident Stress Management

·      Personal Hygiene for Immobile Injured People - Cleanliness - Monitoring

Appendix A            Pre-Trip Plan

Appendix B            First Aid Kit Contents

Appendix C            Communication Devices

Appendix D            Rescue Request Form

Appendix E            First Aid Incident Report Form

Appendix F            Glossary

 WRFA may use handout material and case study to supplement or enhance a Group Specific Topic of concern.

Outdoor Leaders based programs are often geared specifically to the type and level of responsibility of the leader.

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