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Introduction
This page is intended
to provide you with enough information to sponsor a course
with the Wilderness Medicine Training Center. Use this page
in conjunction with the rest of our web site. It is intended
to reduce confusion and attend to potential glitches before
they become problems. There is quite a lot of detail. If
you have any questions please contact our office so that
they can be quickly resolved. Please note that courses can
be taught on expedition (river, remote basecamps, etc.).
 The
Wilderness Medicine Training Center
has developed a reputation for both flexibility and excellence
in adapting our course curriculum to remote sites. Electricity
is NOT required. Keep in mind though that video and slide animations
are not available without some form of electricity (solar,
generator, etc.).
We have designed a Sponsor
Booklet to help you plan your course. You will need
Adobe Acrobat Reader to download and print the booklet.
Click here to download Acrobat
Reader 5.0. The booklet contains detailed information
you will need to plan your course. While it contains most
of the information on this page it is NOT a direct copy.
A summary checklist and time-line appear at the end of the
booklet.
We offer two basic course delivery options: Standard courses and Distance Learning Project (DLP) courses.
Our Standard courses are completely taught on-site; morning didactic presentations transfer easily into afternoon and day long practical sessions. Our Standard courses are best suited for students who meet one or more of the following conditions: prefer minimal course preparation, prefer listening to an instructor lecture rather than study on their own, do not have the discipline and/or the academic aptitude required for effective distance learning, and do not have easy access to a computer and the internet.
Our Distance Learning Project (DLP) courses have three distinct components: DLP course students MUST successfully complete an academic distance learning component and on-line testing before attending the on-site practical session. Our DLP courses are best suited for students who meet all of the following criteria: have limited vacation time or prefer to use their vacation time in another way, have the discipline and academic aptitude required for effective distance learning, enjoy and have the time for in-depth study outside of their regular live commitments, have access to a reliable computer with a DVD drive and internet access, and who possess a valid e-mail address. Click here for details about our DLP courses and how to sponsor one.
Scheduling
Courses
The actual scheduling process is simple. Call the office and speak with Paul; he will send you a sponsor questionnaire. Complete the questionnaire and return it to our office ASAP. When we have agreed upon the type of course(s), dates, and specific costs, we will hold the verbal agreement binding for a maximum of three weeks (21 days); the amount of time may vary depending on the specific course dates and will be specified at the time of contracting. You will receive a copy of a contract via the internet as Acrobat PDF file. Print and sign two copies; return one to our office. Once we receive the signed contract we will officially schedule your course and, if requested, list it on our website course schedule and link it to a pdf registration form.
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Deposit & Canceling a Course
A deposit (specified in the contract) is due two months (60 days) prior to the scheduled course start. A $200 course registration fee is due and forfeit if you cancel a course six plus months prior to the scheduled course start. 50% of the deposit plus applicable instructor travel and material expenses is due and forfeit if you cancels a course within six months of the scheduled course start. 100% of the deposit plus applicable instructor travel and material expenses is due and forfeit if you cancel a course within three months of the scheduled course start.
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Payment
Each course will be invoiced as an Adobe pdf file; payment is due within 15 days of receipt of the file or by the date specified in the contract, whichever is later. Late charges of 2% per month will be charged to all late payments. In addition, you must agree to pay any and all reasonable court and legal fees necessary to enforce the contract. If the deposit is not received the contract will be cancelled and you will be billed as above.
You may pay by check, money order, certified bank check, or by credit card. A 3% surcharge will be added to your invoice if you choose to pay using a credit card. The money does NOT go to WMTC but reflects the processing fee charged to us by the credit card company; in this case, PayPal. You must indicate your desire to pay by credit card in the sponsor questionnaire. If you check this payment option you agree to the 3% surcharge. In this case the e-mail with your invoice will contain a credit card payment button that links you directly to PayPal website. Click the button and follow the directions on the PayPal site to use your credit card.
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Standard Course Classroom
Requirements
Indoor classrooms are common
and should be large enough for students, desks (tables),
chairs, and course gear. It should be a pleasant space with
good lighting and shades (the use of slides requires a darkened
space). It should also be quiet with good acoustics. There
should be enough rest rooms to quickly accommodate the class
size close by. The space should be large enough (or additional
space available) for indoor skills training if the weather
is poor (all simulations will be held outside).
Courses may be completely
taught outside (on partial or full expedition if desired).
If this option is chosen, large tarps, a roofed shelter,
or excellent weather is required. Courses that require video
or slides (WFR) should have generator or battery powered
monitors. Outside space for skills training and simulations
is also necessary. Transportation may be required if the
areas for simulations are not within a short walk (less
than fifteen minutes). If possible, simulation sites should
contain varied terrain: rock bands, wooded areas, steep
hills, lakes, streams, rivers, etc. The instructor(s) will
need a large 4' x 8' whiteboard and 4 new colored dry and
wet erase markers. The whiteboard can be purchased cheaply
at any lumber supply store that carries white sheets of
tub & shower wall board. Take a dry erase marker to
double check. For increased strength the whiteboard may
be laminated to a 1/4" backing of particle board or
plywood. (Total cost of laminated whiteboard is usually
less than $40). Teaching with a whiteboard of this size
permits flexibility within a lecture, usually provides a
complete picture of the topic without erasing, and allows
lectures to be held outside in good weather. A portable
2' x 3' whiteboard and stand are also helpful. A few lectures
incorporate slides and require a carousel slide projector,
also with a spare bulb. Courses with video will also require
a large screen TV with standard input jacks. A checklist
follows. Unusually large courses may require additional
items not on the checklist.
~ adequate classroom space for students (including desks
and chairs where appropriate)
~ electricity for audio/visual equipment including extension
cords
~ transportation to and from simulations or off-site activities
if needed
~ large whiteboard (4' X 8')
~ small whiteboard (2' x 3') & stand
~ four new colored dry erase chisel tip markers (red, blue,
black, green)
~ four new colored wet chisel tip erase markers (red, blue,
black, green)
~ LED projector
~ projection screen appropriate to class size
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Required
Medical & Rescue Gear
An equipment checklist for
the gear you need to provide follows. Items are listed according
to their lab. Refer to the course syllabus for a specific
day. If a lab is not mentioned, there are no special gear
requirements for that lab (e.g. Dislocations Lab). Occasionally
sponsors request that students bring their personal gear
with them for use during the course. If you are not an outfitter
this may help keep equipment and course costs down. Remember
to include it in your pre-course mailing. Note: that it
can be EXTREMELY unpleasant to try to sleep in a sleeping
bag that has been soaked during a simulation earlier in
the day. Please call our office if you have any questions.
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Extremities Splinting
Lab
All courses. Various materials
are needed to teach students how to improvise effective
splints with available gear. In general anything that might
be present in a field situation should be available for
this lab. The materials used during the lab should remain
easily accessible for the entire course. Choose splinting
materials that reflect the environment and activities that
the students live, work, and travel in. Some suggestions
follow. There must be enough gear available for half the
class to wear one splint (arm or leg) at the same time.
~ duct tape: 1 roll per 10 students, 2 rolls minimum
~ tent poles: 1 set per 10 students, 1 set minimum
~ ensolite or closed foam pads: 1 per 2 students, 6 minimum
~ sleeping bags: 1 per 2 students, 6 minimum
~ internal frame packs: 1 per 5 students, 2 minimum
~ ski poles: 8 per course
~ 1" webbing and/or cam straps (assorted lengths 5' - 10')
~ tarps (min. size: 8 x 10 feet): 1 per 5 students in even
numbers, 4 minimum
Optional Splinting Equipment
~ Sandwich Splint: 1 per course
~ canoe paddles (or breakdown kayak paddles): 6 total
~ snowshoes: 1 pair per 10 students, 1 pair minimum
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Wounds Lab
 All
courses. This lab focuses on practical cleaning methods
for high risk wounds, one of the more common injuries in
the outdoors. It requires fresh or frozen pig's feet with
the hair removed. The texture and anatomy of pig's feet
are very close to human skin and musculature and add realism
to the lab. You will need to order the pig's feet at least
one month in advance from your local butcher or supermarket.
No hair please! It’s also helpful to have whole feet
(vs cut in half) for the lab AND nice to have one cut lengthwise
for a quick anatomy lesson. Please keep them frozen until
the lab. We will supply the remaining lab equipment.
~ pigs feet: 1 per two students plus a demo
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Spine Management
Lab
WEMT, WFR, WAFA, and Review
courses. This lab focuses on lifting and moving spine injured
patients and subsequent immobilization on a backboard or
litter. Materials from the Extremities Splinting Lab will
also be used here.
~ long backboard: 1 per 7 students, 2 minimum
~ 2" straps for each backboard: 8 per board
~ stokes or similar rigid litter: 1 per 15 students, 1 minimum
~ 2" straps for each litter: 8 per litter
~ 2" carrying straps for each litter: 10' long/6 per
litter
~ six-inch quick draws or tied loops: 20 per course
~ one 30 foot section of webbing or rope: 1 per course
~ 1" cam straps may be substituted for backboard and
litter straps
Optional Spine Management Equipment
~ KED (Kendrick Extrication Device) or Oregon Spine Board:
1 per course
~ SKED litter: 1 per course
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Improvised Litters
& Carries Lab
All courses. This lab shows students
how to improvise and package different litters, to improvise
hypothermia packaging, to create alternate methods for evacuating
non-spine injured patients, and to improvise traction splints.
WAFA requires the same materials but does NOT teach improvised
litters or traction splints.
~ 100' to 150' nylon ropes: per 5 students, 2 minimum
~ water proof nylon/plastic tarps: 1 per 5 students, 4 minimum
Optional Equipment
~ Kendrick Traction Device (KTD): 1 per course
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Optional Critter
Parts for Standard WFR & WEMT courses
Standard WFR & WEMT courses. A
nice addition to the Day 1 lecture in our Standard WFR and WEMT courses is REAL lungs, brain,
heart, and liver from a pig (preferred) or other critter.
Often a local butcher can save these parts for your course.
The students REALLY appreciate these visual aids. In addition
please provide a long sharp kitchen knife and basin for
each organ block. Remember to request that the butcher leave
the heart whole and, if possible, attached to the lungs.
It's also quite nice to have the larynx and epiglottis intact.
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Simulations
All courses have simulations
to help students practice in a realistic situation. Fake
wounds, blood, etc. are used to increase reality. Old clothing
is required so students are able to cut (as they would do
in a real situation) to look at injury sites. Clothing may
be obtained from Goodwill, Salvation Army, Thrift Shops,
etc. Some course sponsors have each student bring a set
(two t-shirts, two pair of long pants, and two long sleeved
shirts) with them to the course.
~ old clothing in reasonable condition: two t-shirts, two
pair of long pants, and two long-sleeved shirts for EACH
student
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CPR Certification
CPR manikins are required
for CPR certification. Upon request WMTC can provide manikins;
a shipping may apply. Contact the office for details.
~ Adult manikins: 1 per 4 students
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Advertising
Unless you can fill a course
with staff from your organization it will be necessary for
you to advertize locally, and perhaps regionally. To help
you with the advertising process, we design a color poster
free of charge when you schedule
your course. The poster will be sent to you
as a Adobe Acrobat PDF file for downloading and printing.
We will customize the poster and flyer to include your name,
course(s), dates, costs, phone number, and e-mail address.
In addition to placing the posters and flyers in prominent
locations (colleges, climbing gyms, community bulletin boards,
outdoor stores, etc.) We recommend that you contact local
outdoor companies. Many have seasonal or new guides who
are looking for a course. Climbing, paddling, and hiking
clubs are another source of potential students. You may
also wish to contact your local radio station, TV station,
and newspaper. They may be willing to list your course as
a public service announcement. Upon request, we will provide
a draft press release at no charge. Your course (unless
you request otherwise) will appear on our web page and linked
to a Adobe pdf registration form that may be downloaded
directly from our site. There is no additional charge for
this service. Of course, our office will also refer interested
students to you.
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Pricing
When pricing courses for the
public, you should consider the associated costs above and
beyond the course costs outlined above. These additional
costs and services may include: food, camping or lodging,
advertising, pre-course mailings, bus or airport pickup,
etc. Depending on services you plan to offer, additional
course fees may range from $100 per day to over $500 per
day more than the fees you are contracted to pay us. Remember
to budget some "slush" money to cover unexpected
expenses (there WILL be some).
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Instructor
Travel & Expenses
Sponsors are responsible for
all instructor travel and expenses while traveling and during
their course. We will make every effort to keep costs to
a minimum. Upon request we will advise sponsors of estimated
instructor travel costs before a contract is written and
sent. We can only quote plane fares based on the current
rates. Sponsors are responsible for plane fares at the time
of booking. Plane fares will be booked when the course deposit
has been received. Driving costs are charged at 50 cents
per mile. Please note that mileage charges may change at any time to reflect changes in oil and gas pricing. Sponsors are responsible for providing room and
board for the course instructors. Instructor quarters should
be clean and private. Meals should be healthy. Please contact
the course instructors directly with questions regarding
personal quarters, meals, and site requirements/limitations
at least one month prior to your course start.
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Students
& Their Questions
Students will have many, many
questions. If you are a new sponsor
it may be difficult to answer them all. Especially those
that are medical or legal. Please refer to our web site
when dealing with student questions. If you cannot find
an answer on our web site, refer the student to our office.
Please avoid guessing or interpretation.
Many student questions are logistical. These are best handled
with a detailed pre-course mailing after their deposit has
been received. We encourage you to set-up a page on your website devoted to your course(s). Ideally it should contain all logistical information available as both text and pdf file downloads. We will link to your page from our course schedule if you provide the URL.
Common questions relate to camping or lodging,
meals, what to bring, what to wear, weather, how to get
there, start and finish times, text books, etc. Unless otherwise
stated each day will start at 8 AM and finish when the days
material has been covered (usually between 6-8 PM). Request
that each student arrive with enough time to acquaint themselves
with the course site, classroom, and house rules. Emphasize
that they need to be on time for the course start and that
their return travel plans should be made with the understanding
that the course may not be over until the evening of the
last day. Unless you are providing them, remember to remind
students to bring two T-shirts, two long sleeved shirts,
and two pair of long pants. Inform them that these clothes
will be cut and destroyed during simulations. Also remind
them to bring old clothes for the skills sessions and PAS
drills; they will be rolling about the muck and won't want
to wear their new Goretex jacket, etc. Students should also bring a day pack, water bottle, travel mug (for coffee, tea, etc.), notebook(s), pens, and pencil. WMTC instructors use colored markers when lecturing and many students find it helpful to bring a set of colored pencils or pens for note taking.
It is extremely important
that all the students understand they need to be present
and engaged for the entire course to receive certification.
In addition to travel and site information, each student
should receive prior to their course a syllabus, lab descriptions,
and books. Prospective WFR and WEMT students will find it extremely
helpful to read the entire textbook prior to the course. They
should focus on understanding the concepts; the details
will be addressed during their course. They should be familiar
with both the material and acronyms as much as possible
prior to the first lecture. Review students should study
their notes and the text prior to their course. Ideally,
your pre-course mailing should be sent approximately six
to eight weeks before the course starts. It should address
all these issues and more. Keep in mind that no matter how
detailed your mailing and how complete your answers, some
students will still not quite 'get it.' As you sponsor more
and more courses everyone will get better at 'getting it'.
Remember too, that each student will have a truly awesome
course and that they will thank you for providing them with
the opportunity.
Students can glean a tremendous amount of information from the WMTC website. Every student should be directed to download, print, and read our Student Booklet. The booklet is available as a pdf file from the 'Course' and 'News' pages of the WMTC website.
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