Wilderness medicine differs from traditional first aid in three respects. First, transport times are measured in hours and days rather than minutes, so many phases of patient care that usually occur in a hospital must be carried out in the field. Second, severe environments dramatically increase the complexity of any emergency and heighten risks to patients and rescuers alike. Third, limited equipment makes improvisation and resourcefulness essential.

Professional instructors from Wilderness Medical Associates will address these issues and more, and are leaders in the field of wilderness medical training. Classes are fast-paced with emphasis on practical skills. Mornings are devoted to lectures, while afternoons and evenings are spent outside working on everything from stretcher construction to full-scale rescue simulations. A number of realistic simulations, complete with fake wounds and stage blood, will be conducted. Past students report of real-life rescues that felt "just like a simulation."

This course is recommended for all outdoor professionals who spend time in remote areas. Graduates will be certified by Wilderness Medical Associates. For more information on logistics and pricing, call Heartwise at 564-4207.