RCPT 460: Wilderness First Responder
Prerequisites: Major in RCPT or OURL minor
Credit Hours: (3)
This certification course is designed to train students in wilderness medicine and
evacuation techniques in remote backcountry areas. The course covers emergency medical
procedures in wilderness settings and provides fundamental instruction in basic search
and rescue techniques. The course will be experientially based, will includes case
studies of actual emergency situations that have occurred in remote wilderness areas
and prepares students for a certification exam.
Detailed Description of Course
The Role of the Wilderness First Responder
鈥� Wilderness Emergency Care vs. Urban Emergency Care
Medicolegal Issues
鈥� Bloodborne Pathogens and Infectious Disease
鈥� Vaccinations
鈥� Body Systems Overview
Patient Assessment System
鈥� Vital Signs
鈥� Patient Exam
鈥� Patient Interviewing
鈥� SOAPNote: How to document injuries
鈥� Lifting and Moving Principles
鈥� Backcountry Essentials
CPR/AED Adults and Pediatrics
鈥� CPR in the backcountry
Musculoskeletal Injuries
鈥� Soft Tissue Injuries
鈥� Bone, Joint & Muscle Injuries
鈥� Head Injuries
鈥� Spinal Injuries
鈥� Litter Packaging
鈥� Abdominal Injuries
Medical Emergencies
鈥� Central Nervous System
鈥� Diabetes
鈥� Respiratory System
鈥� Cardiovascular System
鈥� Poisoning
Environmental Emergencies
鈥� Hypothermia
鈥� Frostbite
鈥� Heat Illness
鈥� Lightning
鈥� Drowning
鈥� Allergic Reactions
鈥� Bites and Stings
鈥� Altitude Illness (video)
Other Topics
鈥� Shock
鈥� Genitourinary Problems
鈥� Long-Term and Group Considerations
鈥� Wilderness Leadership Skills
鈥� Bivouac
鈥� Water Disinfection
鈥� Personal First Aid, Bivy and Dental Aid Kit
鈥� Common Expedition Problems
鈥� Survival/First Aid Kits
鈥� Search and Rescue Techniques
鈥� Semi-Technical Rescues
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
This course uses curriculum designed by SOLO, Stonehearth Open Learning Opportunities
of long-term care, improvised resources and varying environmental conditions as the
framework for learning.
Instructional strategies will include a variety of techniques. This includes role-playing/simulation,
cooperative/group learning, demonstrations, guest speakers, case studies, lecture,
hands-on practice, a final exam, quizzes and the development of a training video.
Student Goals and Objectives of the Course
Students will be able to:
1. Describe the difference between wilderness medicine and urban medicine.
2. Perform CPR and earn CPR certification.
3. Recognize and treat trauma, medical and environmental emergencies.
4. Provide long-term patient care in the backcountry.
5. Identify a logical progression for assessing patients in backcountry settings.
6. Demonstrate skills in backcountry search and rescue and evacuation techniques.
7. Earn a nationally recognized certification in wilderness medicine.
Assessment Measures
Assessment measures will include SOAPNotes鈥攎ock scenarios that must be assessed and
compiled into a comprehensive SOAPNote (Goal 3, 4, 5, 6), quizzes (Goal 1, 3, 4, 5,
6), written exam (Goal 1, 3, 4, 5, 7) and practical exam (Goal 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7).
Other Course Information
None
Review and Approval
March 28, 2012
June 20, 2015