Over the past few days, we have been in a wilderness advanced first aid course (WAFA). WAFA is crucial because it is important for all members of our team to be proficient in first aid before our big trek. Our WAFA course is taught in the classroom as well as scenarios. It has been very helpful to implement our classroom learning into action as we bandage each other up. While acting in scenarios we have also had the opportunity to learn more about our group members. A fun fact about myself is that I absolutely hate learning about physiology and the human body. This course has challenged me as this is an uncomfortable topic I must overcome and adjust to.
A skill I have learned in WAFA training is the importance of clear communication while making decisions. Throughout these scenarios I have been in a group of three people. Meaning one person is the ‘patient’ and the other two are caregivers. My group rotated, taking turns with who was the patient and who the care givers are. Working with another care giver has shown me how crucial communication is within leadership. During each scenario my group mate and I discuss what is at hand and decide what are next course of action should be. Using clear communication is crucial to leadership as it allows decisions or compromises to be made. Miscommunications or a lack of communication leads to confusion and disagreement. This has been clear within our scenarios as we must communicate openly and honestly in order to effectively and efficiently make choices and decide our course of action. Throughout our WAFA course I have had hypothermia, dehydration from running a marathon, been struck by lightning, and had a massive bleed on my leg. While we have fun during these scenarios, they are very educational. Another important leadership aspect highlighted in WAFA is following a procedure. In our scenarios, there is a lead who makes the final call. I have learned how to follow the procedure we were given while in stressful situations, whether I am leading or following another leader.
Wilderness advanced first aid is very important for information to know while embarking on a trek like ours. I am very glad we are learning the crucial information about how to take care of one another. It has definitely been a stressful few day’s learning about what can go wrong in the backcountry. However, first aid is an important skill to have regardless of the environment. I learned this as I nearly needed my first aid skills today. I was walking back to the Hanifl Centre from Landour when a monkey came running at me because I had a bag of food in my hands. I threw my bag of snacks away from myself and hugged a nearby wall. The monkey was only interested in my snacks, stealing a few of my candy bars. (Which I am still sad about losing.) I have learned my lesson about carrying food, even in a plastic bag, Other than a bruise I am perfectly fine, however, I was comforted by the fact that I know first aid skills in case I needed them. I am excited to finish my WAFA class tomorrow and be officially certified in wilderness first aid!
