Organization: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Lines: 30
Sender: mbrinker@mizar.usc.edu
Distribution: usa
Message-ID: <1ek212INN1rp@mizar.usc.edu>
NNTP-Posting-Host: mizar.usc.edu
Summary: Wilderness Class
If anyone is interested in a SERIOUS mountaineering oriented first aid class there is one in L.A.
The valley chapter of the American Red Cross offers a class twice a year
called A.F.A.M.O. (Advanced First Aid Mountaineering Oriented)
By the time you finish (3.5 months) you will have put in more than 250 hours
learning EXTENDED medical care first-aid, charting, improvasational splinting
and rescue, helicopter loading, extrication, anatomy, Altitude, OB/GYN,
improv transport, water rescue, and much moore.
This class is specifically designed for the mountaineer who is three days in
and happens across a worse case scinerio, or post-disaster treatment where
help is NOT available for 72 hours. It includes 20 hours or Emergency
Room work at a class 4 Trauma center as well as 5 practicals which are
held on the side of mountains and set-up by make-up experts.
I went into the class with little to none first-aid experience and after I
finished I don't think there is a situation that I wouldn't know the best
procedure for providing the most help.
This class covers a lot more than an EMT class, because an EMT class is generally a "load and go" situation where they have all the resources to stabilize
and transport their patients, where the AFAMO class is improvisional extended
care.
If you lead or guide trips I would definately recommend a class like this.
For more info call the Valley Red Cross at 818.376-1700 and talk to Chad
