Wilderness Rescue and Survival

Catalog description

This course is ideal for outdoor leaders involved in extended backcountry trips and those individuals seeking employment with search and rescue units, ski patrols and wilderness trip leading organizations. Students will be prepared to handle emergencies in high-elevation, winter conditions as well as in tropical and swiftwater environments. They will also be prepared for extended care of patients and rescuers in remote and challenging environments. Students will study navigation including landform interpretation of maps and use of map rulers to determine lat/long and UTM coordinates, as well as practical use of maps, compass and GPS. The course includes 3 days of Swiftwater Rescue training, as well as 3 days of Level I Avalanche training. An overnight, winter rescue scenario typically in conjunction with Missoula County Sheriffs Search and Rescue team, as well as training in rescue helicopter operations with St. Patrick Hospitals LifeFlight medics, complete the suite of practical experiences.