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A.W. Lukens
and
Todd Miner
In this course, students will learn about environmental injuries, how to treat them, and what conditions require evacuation. This will include animal bites/stings, and temperature-related emergencies, such as those that are heat or cold-related, lightning, altitude, and drowning. Students will also learn about important aspects of camp hygiene, and what to do in the event that evacuation is needed.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/lzsgs3/wilderness
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What's inside
Syllabus
Camp Hygiene and Sanitation
In this module, we will talk about camp hygiene and sanitation. We will also discuss methods of water treatment to ensure that your water is safe to use and drink.
Read more
Syllabus
Camp Hygiene and Sanitation
In this module, we will talk about camp hygiene and sanitation. We will also discuss methods of water treatment to ensure that your water is safe to use and drink.
Read more
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Explores environmental injuries, their treatment, and evacuation conditions, which is standard in first aid and wilderness survival practice
Develops skills in treating animal bites and stings, which are core skills for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals working in the wilderness
Teaches how to deal with temperature-related emergencies, such as heatstroke, hypothermia, and lightning strikes, which are important skills for anyone spending time outdoors
Examines altitude-related emergencies, such as altitude sickness and pulmonary edema, which is highly relevant for mountaineers and hikers
Covers drowning emergencies, including prevention, rescue, and treatment, which is crucial for anyone participating in water activities
Emphasizes camp hygiene, sanitation, and water treatment, which are essential for maintaining health and preventing illness in outdoor settings
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Reviews summary
Essential wilderness first aid for outdoor enthusiasts
According to students, this course provides a solid introduction to wilderness first aid for environmental emergencies, making it an indispensable resource for outdoor enthusiasts and beginners to wilderness safety. Learners particularly praise the clear explanations, well-structured modules, and the strong emphasis on prevention strategies for topics like heat, cold, altitude, and drowning. However, many find the course lacks hands-on practice inherent in an online format and note it's not a substitute for in-person certification. While largely comprehensive, some suggest a few topics could benefit from more in-depth coverage.
Suitable for beginners, potentially basic for advanced learners.
"It's a good overview, but if you're looking for advanced techniques or comprehensive emergency medical training, this might feel a bit basic."
"For those with prior medical training, it might be a bit too introductory."
"I found it comprehensive for an online course but noted it was better for gaining foundational knowledge rather than advanced skills."
Strongly highlights proactive prevention strategies.
"The drowning module was particularly impactful, highlighting prevention strategies."
"The course truly emphasizes prevention, which is key in remote environments."
"The prevention tips throughout were invaluable."
"I found the focus on preventing emergencies extremely useful for my outdoor trips."
Covers a wide range of essential environmental emergencies.
"The modules on heat and cold related emergencies were particularly well-explained..."
"I found the sections on altitude sickness and lightning quite informative."
"The water treatment and camp hygiene module was surprisingly detailed and very useful."
"It covers the basics well and provides a good overview of environmental emergencies."
Presents complex topics in an easy-to-understand format.
"The instructor's clear delivery made complex topics easy to grasp. Highly recommend for any outdoor enthusiast!"
"The pacing was perfect, allowing me to absorb the information without feeling rushed."
"I appreciated the clear explanations of HACE and HAPE. The material is well-organized..."
"The clear, concise language makes it accessible."
Delivers highly relevant and actionable knowledge.
"The modules on heat and cold related emergencies were particularly well-explained and practical. I feel much more confident now about handling situations in the backcountry."
"As someone who spends a lot of time backpacking, this course provided crucial insights into preventing and managing common wilderness emergencies."
"I took this course as part of my preparation for a long hiking trip, and it was incredibly relevant."
Lacks practical demonstrations and hands-on experience.
"While it's great for understanding the theory, it obviously can't replace hands-on practice or a certification course."
"The lack of practical demonstrations is understandable for an online format but does limit its utility slightly."
"I was hoping for more practical scenarios and maybe some downloadable resources. For wilderness first aid, I really need to see techniques demonstrated."
"I found that despite the useful information, it didn't provide enough hands-on application for me."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Wilderness First Aid - Environmental Emergencies with these
activities:
Gather resources on environmental injuries and emergencies
Show steps
Compile a collection of resources on environmental injuries and emergencies that you can refer to in the future.
Browse courses on
First Aid
Show steps
-
Search for resources online.
-
Print out or save the resources to your computer.
-
Organize the resources into a folder or file.
Watch videos on how to treat common camping injuries
Show steps
Learn how to identify and treat common camping injuries, such as cuts, burns, sprains, and strains.
Browse courses on
First Aid
Show steps
-
Search for videos on YouTube or other video-sharing websites.
-
Watch the videos and take notes on the key steps.
-
Practice the techniques you learned on a friend or family member.
Create a first aid kit
Show steps
Create a first aid kit that is tailored to the types of injuries and emergencies you are likely to encounter while camping.
Browse courses on
First Aid
Show steps
-
Gather the necessary supplies.
-
Assemble the kit.
-
Store the kit in an easily accessible location.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Practice treating common camping injuries
Show steps
Reinforce your knowledge and skills by practicing treating common camping injuries.
Browse courses on
First Aid
Show steps
-
Find a friend or family member who is willing to be a patient.
-
Practice treating different types of injuries, such as cuts, burns, sprains, and strains.
-
Get feedback from your patient on your performance.
Write a plan for what to do in the event of a camping emergency
Show steps
Create a plan that outlines what to do in the event of a camping emergency, such as a medical emergency, a natural disaster, or a lost hiker.
Browse courses on
Emergency Preparedness
Show steps
-
Identify the potential risks and hazards associated with your camping trip.
-
Develop a plan for how to respond to each risk and hazard.
-
Communicate your plan to your fellow campers.
Contribute to an open source project related to first aid or emergency preparedness
Show steps
Contribute to the development of open source resources that can help others learn about and prepare for environmental injuries and emergencies.
Browse courses on
First Aid
Show steps
-
Find an open source project related to first aid or emergency preparedness.
-
Review the project's documentation and code.
-
Make a contribution to the project.
Mentor a new camper or someone who is interested in learning about environmental injuries and emergencies
Show steps
Share your knowledge and experience with someone who is new to camping or who is interested in learning about environmental injuries and emergencies.
Browse courses on
First Aid
Show steps
-
Find someone who is new to camping or who is interested in learning about environmental injuries and emergencies.
-
Share your knowledge and experience with the person.
-
Answer the person's questions and provide guidance.
Gather resources on environmental injuries and emergencies
Show steps
Compile a collection of resources on environmental injuries and emergencies that you can refer to in the future.
Browse courses on
First Aid
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Search for resources online.
- Print out or save the resources to your computer.
- Organize the resources into a folder or file.
Watch videos on how to treat common camping injuries
Show steps
Learn how to identify and treat common camping injuries, such as cuts, burns, sprains, and strains.
Browse courses on
First Aid
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Search for videos on YouTube or other video-sharing websites.
- Watch the videos and take notes on the key steps.
- Practice the techniques you learned on a friend or family member.
Create a first aid kit
Show steps
Create a first aid kit that is tailored to the types of injuries and emergencies you are likely to encounter while camping.
Browse courses on
First Aid
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather the necessary supplies.
- Assemble the kit.
- Store the kit in an easily accessible location.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Practice treating common camping injuries
Show steps
Reinforce your knowledge and skills by practicing treating common camping injuries.
Browse courses on
First Aid
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a friend or family member who is willing to be a patient.
- Practice treating different types of injuries, such as cuts, burns, sprains, and strains.
- Get feedback from your patient on your performance.
Write a plan for what to do in the event of a camping emergency
Show steps
Create a plan that outlines what to do in the event of a camping emergency, such as a medical emergency, a natural disaster, or a lost hiker.
Browse courses on
Emergency Preparedness
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the potential risks and hazards associated with your camping trip.
- Develop a plan for how to respond to each risk and hazard.
- Communicate your plan to your fellow campers.
Contribute to an open source project related to first aid or emergency preparedness
Show steps
Contribute to the development of open source resources that can help others learn about and prepare for environmental injuries and emergencies.
Browse courses on
First Aid
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find an open source project related to first aid or emergency preparedness.
- Review the project's documentation and code.
- Make a contribution to the project.
Mentor a new camper or someone who is interested in learning about environmental injuries and emergencies
Show steps
Share your knowledge and experience with someone who is new to camping or who is interested in learning about environmental injuries and emergencies.
Browse courses on
First Aid
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find someone who is new to camping or who is interested in learning about environmental injuries and emergencies.
- Share your knowledge and experience with the person.
- Answer the person's questions and provide guidance.
Career center
Learners who complete Wilderness First Aid - Environmental Emergencies will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Paramedic
Paramedic
A Paramedic is a healthcare professional who provides emergency medical care to patients in pre-hospital settings, such as in ambulances or at the scene of an accident. This course may be useful for Paramedics, as it provides training in how to treat environmental emergencies, such as animal bites/stings, temperature-related emergencies, lightning, altitude, and drowning.
Emergency Medical Technician
Emergency Medical Technician
An Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) provides emergency medical care to patients in pre-hospital settings, similar to Paramedics. This course may be useful for EMTs, as it provides training in how to treat environmental emergencies, such as animal bites/stings, temperature-related emergencies, lightning, altitude, and drowning.
Wilderness Guide
Wilderness Guide
A Wilderness Guide leads groups of people through wilderness areas, providing them with information about the environment and safety. This course may be useful for Wilderness Guides, as it provides training in how to treat environmental emergencies, such as animal bites/stings, temperature-related emergencies, lightning, altitude, and drowning, which are common in wilderness settings.
Outdoor Educator
Outdoor Educator
An Outdoor Educator teaches people about the environment and outdoor skills, such as camping, hiking, and fishing. This course may be useful for Outdoor Educators, as it provides training in how to treat environmental emergencies, such as animal bites/stings, temperature-related emergencies, lightning, altitude, and drowning, which are common in outdoor environments.
Park Ranger
Park Ranger
A Park Ranger is responsible for the protection and preservation of natural resources and cultural heritage in parks and other protected areas. This course may be useful for Park Rangers, as it provides training in how to treat environmental emergencies, such as animal bites/stings, temperature-related emergencies, lightning, altitude, and drowning.
Search and Rescue Technician
Search and Rescue Technician
A Search and Rescue Technician is responsible for searching for and rescuing people who are lost or injured in wilderness areas. This course may be useful for Search and Rescue Technicians, as it provides training in how to treat environmental emergencies, such as animal bites/stings, temperature-related emergencies, lightning, altitude, and drowning.
Disaster Relief Worker
Disaster Relief Worker
A Disaster Relief Worker provides aid to people who have been affected by natural disasters, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods. This course may be useful for Disaster Relief Workers, as it provides training in how to treat environmental emergencies, such as animal bites/stings, temperature-related emergencies, lightning, altitude, and drowning, which are common in disaster situations.
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientist
An Environmental Scientist studies the environment and its interactions with humans. This course may be useful for Environmental Scientists, as it provides training in how to treat environmental emergencies, such as animal bites/stings, temperature-related emergencies, lightning, altitude, and drowning, which can impact the environment.
Conservation Officer
Conservation Officer
A Conservation Officer is responsible for enforcing environmental laws and protecting natural resources. This course may be useful for Conservation Officers, as it provides training in how to treat environmental emergencies, such as animal bites/stings, temperature-related emergencies, lightning, altitude, and drowning.
Fish and Wildlife Biologist
Fish and Wildlife Biologist
A Fish and Wildlife Biologist studies the biology and ecology of fish and wildlife populations. This course may be useful for Fish and Wildlife Biologists, as it provides training in how to treat environmental emergencies, such as animal bites/stings, temperature-related emergencies, lightning, altitude, and drowning, which can impact fish and wildlife populations.
Geologist
Geologist
A Geologist studies the Earth's composition, structure, and history. This course may be useful for Geologists, as it provides training in how to treat environmental emergencies, such as animal bites/stings, temperature-related emergencies, lightning, altitude, and drowning, which can occur during field work.
Meteorologist
Meteorologist
A Meteorologist studies the atmosphere and weather patterns. This course may be useful for Meteorologists, as it provides training in how to treat environmental emergencies, such as temperature-related emergencies, lightning, altitude, and drowning, which can be related to weather conditions.
Hydrologist
Hydrologist
A Hydrologist studies the movement and distribution of water on the Earth's surface and underground. This course may be useful for Hydrologists, as it provides training in how to treat environmental emergencies, such as temperature-related emergencies, lightning, altitude, and drowning, which can occur in water-related environments.
Soil Scientist
Soil Scientist
A Soil Scientist studies the composition, structure, and properties of soil. This course may be useful for Soil Scientists, as it provides training in how to treat environmental emergencies, such as temperature-related emergencies, lightning, altitude, and drowning, which can occur in soil-related environments.
Forester
Forester
A Forester manages forests and forest resources. This course may be useful for Foresters, as it provides training in how to treat environmental emergencies, such as animal bites/stings, temperature-related emergencies, lightning, altitude, and drowning, which can occur in forest environments.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/lzsgs3/wilderness
Reading list
We've selected nine books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Wilderness First Aid - Environmental Emergencies.
Save
An indispensable resource for mountaineers and outdoor enthusiasts, this book covers a wide range of topics related to wilderness safety and emergencies, complementing the course material.
Save
An authoritative guide to altitude-related emergencies, providing in-depth knowledge for those venturing into high-altitude environments.
Save
This essential guide from the CDC provides detailed information on camp hygiene and sanitation practices, ensuring the well-being of individuals in wilderness settings.
This comprehensive guide from the NWS covers lightning safety measures, helping individuals understand the risks and precautions associated with lightning.
This practical guide from the CDC provides essential information on water treatment methods for wilderness environments, ensuring access to safe drinking water.
This in-depth resource from the Mayo Clinic offers a comprehensive understanding of hypothermia and cold stress, providing valuable information for wilderness adventurers.
This informative resource from the NIH provides essential knowledge on heat-related illnesses, their prevention, and treatment strategies for wilderness first responders.
Save
This comprehensive guide from the CDC provides vital information on drowning prevention and water safety measures, ensuring preparedness in aquatic environments.
This classic guide provides a comprehensive foundation in wilderness survival skills, offering valuable insights into managing emergencies in remote environments.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/lzsgs3/wilderness
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Effort
8 hours to complete
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Colorado System
Instructors
A.W. Lukens
Todd Miner
Language
English
This course belongs to a
collection
called
Wilderness First Aid. It's comprised of four courses:
- Wilderness First Aid - Traumatic Emergencies
- Wilderness First Aid - Medical Emergencies
- Wilderness First Aid - Introduction
- Wilderness First Aid - Environmental Emergencies (viewing)
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