Krystal Pocock, aquatics instructional aid in the School of Environment and Natural Resources (SENR), who works closely with faculty engaged in outdoor field research identified a training need for our SENR graduate students and organized an opportunity to attend Wilderness First Aid Training at Old Woman’s Creek.
With support from the School of Environment and Natural Resources several graduate students, who are teaching assistants in SENR field courses and/or are engaged in field research, as well as Krystal participated in the training with another set of graduate students planning to attend in June.
"The basics and fundamentals of field first-aid provided in this training will help our graduate students be safer and more confident in the field while doing remote work." – Krystal Pocock, Aquatics Instructional Aid
SENR graduate student, Theresa Brehm, learns how to treat a patient experiencing symptoms of hypothermia using items commonly found in a field backpack. Students learned how to differentiate between hypo- and hyperthermia as well as how to recognize and treat patients in various states of distress. Photo Credit: Emily Kuzmick, ODNR.
On the Experience
Here is what SENR participants had to say about the training, when asked,
"What was one of the most valuable things you learned at the wilderness first-aid training?"
Ways to improvise
“While we were taught how to use typical first aid kit supplies, we also learned how to improvise some things using items we carry with us in the field. We were able to construct a pretty passable splint using a field notebook, shirt, and gauze.” – Bethany Williams, PhD Student advised by Dr. Gray
Training and practice build confidence
“I would say that the course was my first experience with medical training. Despite that, I walked away confident that I would know what to do if myself or my other lab mates were to sustain any injuries during field work. Going into the training I imagined that cuts, sprains/broken bones, and heat exhaustion would be the most likely things we would face in the field and the course allowed plenty of opportunities to practice handling these situations. Overall, I am very glad I attended.” – Haley McLean, Master's Student advised by Dr. Rachel Gabor
“The training made me a lot more confident that I can help in cases of emergency while I'm farther away from medical professional help. I learned how to manage cases of broken bones, hypothermia, wounds, and so much more!” – Theresa Brehm, Master’s Student advised by Steve Culman
"After getting a chance to practice responding to a variety of medical emergencies and situations during the training, graduate students are better prepared to care for themselves and those working alongside them. These students will be an asset in the field and to future potential employers.” – Krystal Pocock, Aquatics Instructional Aid
If you'd like to learn more about this opportunity or would be interested in future wilderness first-aid trainings, please contact Krystal Pocock via email.
Full caption for lead image: SENR graduate student, Bethany Williams, learns how to stabilize a broken bone in the field by creating a sling with materials commonly found in a first-aid kit. Students also learned how to create slings using materials they might on hand in a field work situation (e.g., notebooks, extra clothing, etc.) Photo Credit: Emily Kuzmick, ODNR.