REscue + Course

Wilderness First Aid + AIARE Rescue Course

For Backcountry Skiers and Splitboarders

In collaboration with Backcountry Medical Guides

***This course is designed for intermediate to advanced skiers and snowboarders with experience in the backcountry. Read prerequisites below before registering***

We will train you how to prevent, manage, and treat a range of common emergencies that you may encounter in the backcountry. This course combines online self-paced precourse work with a highly immersive skills training in the backcountry in the Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. You must complete the online learning portion within 30 days of the in-person skills training and assessment at Mt. Baker.  


This combination of focused learning and practical experience provides you with the conceptual knowledge and hands-on skills to face common emergencies that you may experience while exploring the wilderness. Expect to work hard, get out in nature, make new connections with other like minded people, and learn a ton about wilderness medicine. Ages 18+, or 14+ with registered guardian chaperone.

By the end of the course, you will:

  • Know how to execute a single and double burial rescue

  • Understand strategies to minimize group risk in avalanche terrain

  • Practice rigging a rescue sled and dragging a patient over snow and terrain

  • Build strong patient assessment skills

  • Demonstrate common treatments of traumatic injuries and life threats

  • Recognize and treat medical emergencies

  • Prevent, recognize, and treat environmental emergencies

  • Learn improvisation, evacuation, and rescue techniques

  • Practice pre-trip and expedition planning

  • Practice preventative strategies

CERTIFICATIONS: 

  • AIARE Rescue Course Certificate

  • Wilderness First Aid, valid for 2 years with 1 year grace period for recertification

  • CPR/AED certifications, valid for 2 years. 

Dates:

  • December 13th - 15th

  • December 20-22nd

Location: Baker Backcountry, WA

Ratio: 6:1 student to instructor/guide