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Post date: Mar 20, 2017 1:8:42 AM
The course was sponsored by KCC’s Emergency Medical Services Department where participants were able to utilize many of the department’s resources. “We have always been a supporter of the scouting program and this was another way to continue our department’s vision: Saving Lives Through Education,” said Dr. Chet Dalski, Eagle Scout, and Director of KCC’s EMS Departement. KCC was able to provide equipment and a classroom for the scouts to be able to learn and practice their new life-saving skills.
Troop 355 was joined by Troop 325, Troop 292, and Troop 265 to earn a certification in wilderness first aid; a requirement for their upcoming summer trip to Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico. On Saturday, Scouts and adults were at Kellogg Community College learning various techniques on how to handle medical and trauma emergencies while backpacking in the wilderness.
Above: KCC Faculty, Clark Imus, demonstrates how to perform a physical exam on a trauma patient.
Above: Brian Latshaw, of Troop 292, practices bleeding control on Lisa Timmer, of Troop 355.
The 16-hour course is accredited by the Emergency Care and Safety Institute; a partner of the Boy Scouts of America. Participants were able to see things from the perspective of emergency personnel and how they assess and respond to emergencies. Various emergency professionals from the area, along with Kellogg Community College faculty volunteered their time to conduct the course for the scouts and their leaders.
Above: Vinnie Born, of Troop 355, simulated a major laceration to his left arm where participants practiced bleeding control.
Above: Tom Timmer practices using a Sam Splint as a cervical immobilization device on Andrea Perry, of Troop 325.
The course included quite a few topics including lacerations, broken bones, high altitude sickness, and drowning; just to name a few. Although the scouts had learned quite a few of these skills through their merit badges the course provided an in-depth understanding of these medical and trauma scenarios. “The course was conducted similarly to a Medical First Responder or an Emergency Medical Technician course giving scouts a first-hand experience of how first responders train to serve their communities,” explained Dan Lok, KCC Adjunct Professor and local Scoutmaster of Troop 355.
Above: David Latshaw, of Troop 292, simulated a patient who sustained a neck injury, where scouts utilized an external frame backpack and duct tape for spinal immobilization.
Above: Zack Johnson, of Troop 325, simulated an impaled object to the abdomen while participants treated him.
Scouts learned different ways to think outside of the box as first aid supplies would be limited in the backcountry. During the practical skills sessions or hands-on learning portion, participants were taught how to use some of the professional “tools of the trade” for firefighters and paramedics. One particular tool that was demonstrated was the Kendrick Traction Splint used by first responders to stabilized a closed femur fracture. Throughout the entire course, participants were encouraged to utilize items out of their backpacks to supplement items such as splints, arm slings, tourniquets and various other items; things that they had learned previously in their first aid and emergency preparedness merit badges but with improvisions available to them while on a trip.
Above: KCC faculty guide participants in an exercise involving a motor vehicle accident and removing an unconscious patient safely.
Above: Zach Johnson practices assessing for chest injuries in his physical assessment on Ryan Bloch, both of Troop 325.
Above: Scoutmaster Dan Lok demonstrating a traction splint used by rescuers for a fractured femur. Also in picture: Skyler Sebring
The Boy Scouts of America would like to thank Kellogg Community College for sponsoring the course along with Scott Blanchard, Mark Gysel, Clark Imus, Dan Lok, and Troy Smith for graciously volunteering their time to conduct the course.
Above: Scouts practice physical exam assessment skills.
Above: Scouts utilized a hiking stick as a splint.
Above: Participants practice treating for shock.
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