Members of the SCA Idaho AmeriCorps 2011 crew met in Boise on the 28th of April. After two days of orientation we spent a full day journeying up to our base, Moyer. Moyer sits at around 5700 feet, secluded from most signs and sounds of civilization. So far we have seen grouse, eagles, beavers, deer and elk.
Recently, we successfully completed Wilderness First Responder (WFR) training. The 80 hour WFR course covered a wide range of illnesses and injuries that we are likely to encounter in the future. Our intrepid Aerie instructors, Josh and Eagle, are Wilderness EMTs and do backcountry Ski Patrol. The already fascinating subject matter was augmented by Josh’s self-admitted cool-dry wit and Eagle’s male-model good looks. Actually, some of the jokes were good:
How do you tell the difference between an oral and rectal thermometer?
Taste.
We were stoked to have them at our base for a week. Here is a photo of the Josh demonstrating a traction splint on Eagle’s isolated mid-shaft femur fracture.
We learned a whole variety of splints, slings and swaths to deal with breaks, fractures and dislocations. Here is a creative way a group dealt with John’s posterior shoulder dislocation.
Fortunately, the scenarios we used to practice our new skills didn’t require actual injuries. One time we were thrown into a multiple patient scenario at night and with limited resources. The already stressful situation was exacerbated by the failure of one radio, the arrival of an unruly relative (played by Eagle), and the critical condition of one patient (props to Progam Manager Jackie). We persevered, walking and littering the patients to safety. By the end of the course we became very efficient at patient assessment and care.
Roughly two more weeks of training and we will begin work in earnest. On the 18th of May we head into the closest town, Salmon, for 4x4 driving training with the Forest Service and to do some volunteer work. Next week we learn tool use and safety. Things are moving right along. Another update will be along soon!
