Medical Training Requirements
Field work is often done away from normal emergency services. Thus, group members may be the only ones available to render first aid. Because of this, at least one person at a minimum in a field group conducting field research or work must have first aid training. It is best practice to have multiple medically trained people on a trip in case the primary medically trained individual is not available or is the patient. It is also recommended by the American Red Cross that everyone have at least a minimal understanding of first aid.
First Aid/CPR/AED is highly recommended if you are conducting field research in an area where definitive medical care (i.e. a hospital) is less than one hour away. This one hour limit must include first responder response time and transport time.
Wilderness First Aid is required if you are conducting field research in an area where definitive medical care is greater than one hour away. Wilderness First Aid is also required if you are conducting high risk activities such as: operating chainsaws or other dangerous machinery, operating an OHV, etc. outside of an urban setting regardless of the distance to the hospital.
This course is a great introduction to wilderness medicine and basic life support skills. It is perfect for the outdoor enthusiast who wants more than the urban first aid course provides. The emphasis of the course is on recognizing and treating life-threatening traumatic and medical emergencies, common wilderness injuries, bandaging, splinting, treating environmental injuries, and the basics of sustained patient care. CPR & AED are included in this curriculum.
There are many reputable course offerings out there, but at USU, Wilderness First Aid is taught in partnership with Desert Mountain Medicine and is offered for academic credit through Kinesiology and Health Services.
Wilderness First Responder is required if you are greater than one hour away from definitive care AND you are conducting high risk activities such as: operating chainsaws or other dangerous machinery, operating an OHV, etc.
Recognized as the standard medical training for guides, outdoor educators, and wilderness enthusiasts. The 80-hour WFR course provides students with the knowledge and skills to respond to medical and traumatic emergencies in remote locations. CPR & AED is included in the curriculum.
The first 30 hours consist of self-directed online modules followed by 50 hours of hands-on classroom and scenario-based instruction. The online session must be completed prior to the start of the classroom session.
This course is taught in partnership with Desert Mountain Medicine and is offered for USU academic credit through Kinesiology and Health Sciences.
Medical Training Recommendations
Utah State University is dedicated to the health and safety of its community and would like to see as many people as possible receive medical training. Below are recommendations for deepening your understanding of emergency medical responses and when they should be considered.
It is advisable for all persons conducting field research in an area where definitive medical care (i.e. a hospital) is available within one hour receive Wilderness First Aid training or Wilderness First Responder training depending upon the activity and the situation.
| Minutes From Hospital | First Aid / CPR | Wilderness Firsts Aid | Wilderness First Responder | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low Risk Activity | <30 | Highly Recommended | Recommended | Recommended |
| 30-60 | Required | Recommended | ||
| >60 | Required | |||
| High Risk Activity | <30 | Required | Highly Recommended | Recommended |
| >30 | Required | Highly Recommended |
First Aid Kits
Any excursion into the field should include a first aid kit (OSHA Field Safety and Health Manual) These are supplies necessary for treating persons that are injured or become ill. Because it is difficult to provide first aid care without these supplies, the old adage, “it is better to have and not need then to need and not have” is exceptionally pertinent. Because there is no perfect list for what should be included in a first aid kit. It is important that possible hazards are evaluated to predict possible injuries. Then ensure that your first aid kit fits your needs and is capable of treating probable injuries you may experience in the field. Considerations to take into account when deciding on a first aid kit are:
- First aid kits don’t save lives, people do. Get trained and know how to use everything in your first aid kit
- Commercial first aid kits are good starting points. North American Rescue, the NOLS Store, and other vendors such as REI and Adventure Medical Kits have options designed for outdoor excursions for various group sizes
- Pre-packaged kits may not contain all of the supplies you might need in your kit. Consider evaluating your hazards and buying and stocking more trauma supplies (tourniquets, chest seals/petroleum gauze, etc.) in order to treat severe life-threatening traumatic injuries.
- Customize your kit for your destination and group size
- Pack extra gloves
- Re-pack your first aid kit for each trip; replenish used or expired items
- Check for expiration dates on medications and sterile items; replace items that may have been torn open or damaged. Many vendors sell refill kits
- Leave an empty plastic bag in your kit for garbage. Be strict with all users of the kit to use the trash bag
The size and contents of a first aid kit are dependent upon what outdoor activity you are participating in and how far from emergency medical service you conduct field work. In general, there are two types of first aid kits; Class A and Class B. Class A first aid kits are able to treat small cuts and other minor injures common in the workplace. Class B kits are more substantial and are able to treat more severe injuries occurring in higher-risk environments. The first aid kit that you choose to bring on a trip must be capable of treating the injuries possible to be seen in the field. If working with heavy machinery, a first aid kit with trauma supplies (tourniquet, trauma dressings, etc.) would be indicated.
ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2015 establishes minimum content requirements for both Class A and Class B first aid kits.
In addition to the first aid kit kept at the work site, it is recommended to have an additional Class B first aid kit (or even larger) staged in a vehicle or at camp
The EH&S Office has Class B first aid kits that you can borrow if your field activities are small, limited or sporadic. Please visit USU Research First Aid Kit to check out first aid kits and InReach devices.