Wilderness EMT Intensive Course (WEMT)

SOLO Southeast's Premium Wilderness Medicine Course

September 27th - October 22nd, 2010
December 28th - January 21, 2011

To become a Wilderness EMT, this SOLO Southeast Wilderness Medicine Course includes two components:

Emergency Medical Technician—Basic (EMT-B- Intensive)
(172 hours, or three weeks)
Wilderness Module
(40 hours, or five days)

This course consists of the standard Department of Transportation EMT curriculum integrated into an intensive three-week training program. This complete course includes classroom sessions during the day and practical skills labs in the evening. During weekends, we review clinical skills and you will participate in two five-hour clinicals at a local EMS service, emergency department or walk-in clinic. American Heart Association (AHA) CPR for the healthcare provider is included.

This class gives you all the skills you need to take your state-registered EMT exam. Training as an EMT will help prepare you for a future career in Emergency Medical Services, the military or law enforcement, and is recommended for expedition and wilderness guides. We use experienced professionals from the industry to teach our classes and emphasis hands-on skills with a strong understanding of body systems and patient care.

To further your skills and qualify as a Wilderness EMT we have added a five-day Wilderness Module to the course. This component is recommended for medical professionals who already have an advanced knowledge of patient care but want a better understanding of wilderness protocols and procedures that are significantly different from those taught in the emergency room. It focuses on emergency care when separated from definitive care by distance, time or circumstance

SOLO Southeast students are extended a discount on NOC lodging and meals, September through May.

What is "Wilderness" Certification?

Based on the Department of Transportation's First Responder and EMT curriculums, the WEMT program integrates wilderness and medical training. By definition, "wilderness" in wilderness emergency medicine is based on the concepts of: (1) Distance from traditional care and transport—usually one hour or more; (2) Environmental concerns such as severe weather, altitude, heat, cold and depth; (3) Improvisation of equipment so as to minimize weight; (4) Difficult or hazardous terrain.

Students Must be Prepared to:

Students enrolled in this program must participate in all practical labs, which include indoor and outdoor scenarios (day and night) and pass all practical and written exams to receive certification. It is also required that students:

1. Negotiate all types terrain, in all weather conditions carrying at least one-quarter of their body weight for a distance of four miles in four hours.

2. Locate and communicate with a patient.

3. Convey patient information to other caregivers face-to-face, by radio or by phone.

4. Determine that the scene is reasonably safe from environmental threats.

5. Control the incident scene.

6. Communicate from a distance if a student or rescuer becomes separated from the team.

7. Assess breathing, airway and circulation.

8. Survive and perform patient care alone, due to limited resources of people, equipment and difficult access.

There are many factors that may preclude people from taking these programs and receiving WEMT certification. SOLO regrets that, unfortunately, not all reasons can be adequately compensated for with regards to safety and training for certification. Therefore, we must (for the SAFETY of all concerned, both students and future patients) request that you complete all required forms, assuring competence to participate in any of SOLO's programs and activities. These forms are available by contacting Jono Bryant by calling (828) 488-7190.

Contact Us

Call the Guest Relations Office at 888-905-7238 for information regarding availability and options.

COURSE TOPICS

The WEMT course consists of the standard DOT EMT curriculum and the principles of Wilderness Medicine integrated into the four-week training. The course includes all the information in the Wilderness First Responder and expands each topic in anatomy, physiology, recognition and treatment, and the extended care principles and protocols.

• Trauma Assessment System: Rapid and Detailed Assessments
• Heathcare Provider CPR: Adult, Child, Infant CPR and Obstructed Airway AED
• Advanced Airway Mgt. Skills
• Barotauma & Dive-Related Injuries
• Marine Bites and Stings
• Avalanche Skills
• Behavior & Psychiatric Emergencies
• Emergency Childbirth
• Geriatric Medicine
• Pediatric Trauma
• Mass Casualty Incidents
• Incident Command System
• Hazardous Materials
• Mock Rescues
• Case Histories