Wilderness First Responder Skills for Emergency Response Teams?

Initial Patient Assessment

When responding to a wilderness emergency, the first step is to conduct a thorough patient assessment. This involves the use of the SAMPLE history, which stands for Signs, Allergies, Medications, Past medical history, Last meal, and Events leading up to the incident. Responders should also perform a visual examination of the patient, checking for any visible injuries or signs of distress. In a WFR course, students learn how to use the AVPU scale to assess a patient’s level of consciousness, rating them as Alert, Verbal, Pain, or Unresponsive.

Splinting and Wound Management

Wilderness responders must be proficient in splinting techniques to immobilize injured limbs and prevent further damage. The 6 basic splints taught in WFR courses include the finger, wrist, ankle, knee, and elbow splints. Responders should also learn how to apply a head or neck immobilization device to patients with potential spinal injuries. When treating wounds, responders should follow the principles of the “Dirt, Debridement, Dressing, and Antibiotic” (DDDA) protocol, which emphasizes the importance of cleaning and debriding wounds to prevent infection.

Altitude Sickness and Hypothermia

Responders in high-altitude or cold environments must be prepared to recognize and treat altitude sickness and hypothermia. Altitude sickness can be diagnosed using the Lake Louise Score, which assesses symptoms such as headache, fatigue, and dizziness. Responders should also learn how to recognize the signs of hypothermia, including shivering, confusion, and loss of coordination. In a WFR course, students learn how to use the MARCH protocol to assess patients for hypothermia, rating them as Mild, Moderate, Risk, Critical, or Hypothermic.