Who should attend the WEMT course?
The WEMT program is designed to provide a vital component of medical training not generally available through standard EMS training programs. Specifically the WEMT program is designed for search and rescue personnel, rural ambulance squads, backcountry rangers, hunting and fishing guides, outdoor instructors and any EMT who may be need to provide emergency medical care in remote areas. The WEMT program is open to anyone who is currently certified as an EMT-B, EMT-I or EMT-P.
What makes the ETI Wilderness EMT program different from other medical programs?
ETI's Wilderness Medical programs are taught by advanced level EMT's with many years of backcountry rescue experience. These experiences have prepared them with a wide spectrum of knowledge and practical skills which make the courses rich and engaging. The concepts taught during the programs have been applied in actual wilderness settings in a variety of terrain and weather conditions.
The WEMT course covers three important areas typically not presented in other medical training programs.
1. Prolonged treatment of the patient- When transport times extend into hours and days, the phases of patient care that usually take place in the hospital must be carried out in the field. WEMT training prepares students for this situation.
2. Limited Equipment- In a remote wilderness setting there is usually very limited equipment available for use in the treatment of a patient. During the course students learn how to improvise the tools and equipment they need . This is one of the most important concepts of wilderness medicine. WEMT students also learn how to adapt and use standard ambulance equipment for extended transport problems.
3. Difficult Environments- Remote environments bring many challenges to rescuers. The extremes of cold and heat make dealing with patients even more difficult. During the course, students learn how to recognize the effects of these environmental changes in their patients and how to protect themselves from the same effects.
What type of certification do I receive when I complete the course?
You will receive a Wilderness EMT certificate of completion from ETI. This certifies that you have completed the requirements for the 60 hour WEMT program. You may also be eligible for a WEMT certification from other certifying organizations.
Will I receive continuing education credit from my State EMS office?
EMT-B's, EMT-I's, and EMT-P's can receive 60 hours of official continuing education credit from most states. Each state sets it's own guidelines for qualifying CE credits. You should contact your state for specific details. The National Registry also grants credit for many wilderness Medical courses. This continuing education credit is applied to different categories depending upon the level of your certification.
How much time is spent in the classroom and how much outside?
The course includes lecture and discussion as well as hands-on practical training and experience. About half of the time will be classroom discussion. Much of the hands on training takes place outside the classroom. You will be involved in various simulated training scenarios throughout the course during which practical skills are emphasized. These simulations will be developed during the course and represent the various skill areas covered in the curriculum. These simulations are videotaped and used as a learning tool during class.
How rigorous are the outdoor training and simulations?
The main emphasis of the course is rapid patient assessment and the application of life saving techniques and skills. Appropriate evacuation and wilderness rescue are important components of this goal. The WEMT course is not, however, a detailed course in high angle rescue techniques and does not include extended hiking and climbing. Special courses covering these skills are available as separate training programs. The portions of the course that do require physical effort are tempered to accommodate a wide range of skills and abilities. If you have a physical condition or injury which limits involvement in strenuous activities, this does not exclude you from enrollment in the program.
How many written tests should I expect to take during the course?
Students should expect to be presented with a quiz every other day of class. There is also a final written and practical exam that will be given during the last day of class. All written and practical quizes and tests do count toward final credit for the class.
What skills will I be able to use as a WEMT that I am not allowed to use now?
First it is vital that each WEMT student understand that no one is allowed to use any skills (even within the level of your current certification) without appropriate authorization from your local medical control. In other words, you must receive permission from your physician advisor before you can perform any acts or skills you learn during this or any other training program. There are several unique skills and techniques that you will gain from the course. These are modified treatment procedures for Wound Care, Fractures and Dislocations, CPR, Hypothermia, and Spine Management. These modified techniques can only be used when specific conditions exist. These conditions include: Extended transport times (longer than 1-2 hours), Appropriate training, and Appropriate authorization from your physician advisor.
Why should I enroll in the ETI WEMT program?
The ETI WEMT course is a fast moving and challenging continuing education program for EMT's at any level. You will learn how to re-package the knowledge and skills that you already have into a compact, down to earth easy to access format. Your assessment skills will be sharpened as you apply them during many hours of hands on practice. Your ability to work with patients over an extended time will be greatly enhanced. If you have the potential of working in unfriendly environments away from the hospital or ambulance, this course provides essential training that may save a patient's life as well as your own. Whether you are strictly a search and rescue member working in the backcountry, or a person who rarely works away from an ambulance, the WEMT course will help you to gain confidence and make you better at what you do.
What should I bring to the course?
Bring a notebook and writing materials for the classroom. Bring appropriate clothing for the weather conditions. This should include jackets, rain gear, gloves or mittens, hat, shell pants and shell jacket if available, durable shoes or boots, and a flashlight or headlamp.
Do I need to purchase a textbook?
No. All of the text materials we use will be provided for you as a part of the fee for the course.
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