I agree with ASM 915. A WEMT course is far different from a regular EMT course and an EMT course is much more advanced than a WFA or even WFR course. I took my Wilderness EMT from Remote Medical International and the course was far more advanced then any basic EMT course. We practiced advanced airways, injections, IV's, foley catheters, nasogastric tubes, suturing, etc. So as you can see the focus is on long term care and making do with what you have. Yes urban EMS has it's own issues and difficulties, but seriously.... have you ever dealt with a semi-combative patient in the snow for 48 hours taking vitals every 5 minutes while your partner builds a snow cave around you? Attempting to find a brachial pulse is hard when your hands are freezing! Or how about trying to auscultate a bp while the tapping of sleet hits your jacket hood? These courses do push you to the limit, but the skills you develop are awesome during a crisis. Our class consisted of doctors, nurses, paramedics, an Air Force Medic, Hot Shot Forest Service guys, firefighters, search and rescue members etc. all looking to gain insight into the wilderness portion of EMS.
When it comes down to it, the highest medical training you can get is well worth every penny! I have also heard amazing things about NOLS, WMA, and SOLO. If you have any questions feel free to contact me because I have quite a bit of experience in wilderness medicine.
Wilderness First Aid vs EMT
in Camping & High Adventure
Posted
I agree with ASM 915. A WEMT course is far different from a regular EMT course and an EMT course is much more advanced than a WFA or even WFR course. I took my Wilderness EMT from Remote Medical International and the course was far more advanced then any basic EMT course. We practiced advanced airways, injections, IV's, foley catheters, nasogastric tubes, suturing, etc. So as you can see the focus is on long term care and making do with what you have. Yes urban EMS has it's own issues and difficulties, but seriously.... have you ever dealt with a semi-combative patient in the snow for 48 hours taking vitals every 5 minutes while your partner builds a snow cave around you? Attempting to find a brachial pulse is hard when your hands are freezing! Or how about trying to auscultate a bp while the tapping of sleet hits your jacket hood? These courses do push you to the limit, but the skills you develop are awesome during a crisis. Our class consisted of doctors, nurses, paramedics, an Air Force Medic, Hot Shot Forest Service guys, firefighters, search and rescue members etc. all looking to gain insight into the wilderness portion of EMS.
When it comes down to it, the highest medical training you can get is well worth every penny! I have also heard amazing things about NOLS, WMA, and SOLO. If you have any questions feel free to contact me because I have quite a bit of experience in wilderness medicine.
Spencer