To help members of the community who enjoy spending time outdoors in remote areas, Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital is offering a Wilderness First Aid Class. The class includes the opportunity to become certified in Wilderness First Aid.  

Help may be far away when you are injured or become ill while hiking or recreating in remote areas. As part of its community outreach and education efforts through the program as a Level 2 Trauma Center, Good Samaritan is working with Backcountry Pulse to provide 16 hours of Wilderness First Aid training over a two-day class Nov. 2-3. The course will teach participants how to anticipate risk and hazards, identify medical, traumatic, and environmental problems; recognize life-threatening issues; initiate basic care, and deliver a cohesive report to emergency medical personnel.  

 Dan Cheek is an emergency medicine physician at Good Samaritan and began his career after joining an outdoor leadership program in college followed by a career in ski patrol and teaching for Outward Bound.  

 “I was an avid outdoors person. I took the two-day course, and it completely blew my mind. I’d been venturing into the wilderness not knowing any of this information for years,” he said.  

 After that, he was intrigued about how to care for someone in that environment, limited to the resources you had in your backpack.  

Dr. Cheek said his first experience needing to know wilderness first aid came during that college program in a remote cabin while making dinner. A person spilled boiling water into their boot and suffered second degree burns. They had to hike six miles the next day, and Dr. Cheek said he was prepared to manage the situation well.  

He recommends the wilderness class for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. 

This type of training equips individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to handle medical emergencies when professional help is not immediately available. Here are some key reasons why wilderness first aid training is important: 

1. Immediate Response: In the wilderness, medical help can be hours or even days away. Wilderness first aid training enables individuals to provide immediate care, which can be critical in preventing further injury or complications.  

2. Life-Saving Skills: The training covers essential life-saving techniques such as CPR, wound care, and managing fractures. These skills can make a significant difference in survival rates during emergencies.  

3. Preparedness: Being trained in wilderness first aid means being prepared for a wide range of scenarios, from minor injuries to severe medical conditions. This preparedness can reduce panic and improve decision-making in stressful situations.  

4. Self-Reliance: Wilderness first aid training fosters a sense of self-reliance and confidence. Knowing how to handle medical emergencies independently can enhance the overall outdoor experience and encourage more people to explore nature.  

5. Team Safety: For groups or teams venturing into the wilderness, having members trained in first aid ensures that everyone’s safety is prioritized. It also promotes a culture of care and responsibility within the group.  

6. Environmental Awareness: The training often includes education on environmental hazards and how to avoid them. This awareness can prevent accidents and injuries, making outdoor activities safer for everyone involved. 

The cost of the class is $195. The class is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday Nov. 2-3. To register, visit intermountainhealthcare.org/classes-and-events/list/wilderness-first aid. Additional classes will be offered in 2025. 

For more information, email grace.greathouse@imail.org.