Month: December 2009

Wilderness First Aid training

Professional development is an ongoing part of being a mountain guide.  This week I have been taking a 9-day first aid course geared towards the outdoor backcountry environment called a Wilderness First Responder.  We have been reviewing procedures and protocols for a wide variety of potential emergencies in the outdoors.  Yesterday we reviewed hypothermia them practiced a scenario.  I was asked to be one of the “patients”.  The three of us dunked ourselves into an icy river then waited on the shore for the rest of the class to come rescue us.  We all were reminded very quickly that he sooner you can get someone out of wet clothes and into a warm dry environment the better!

The three patients shortly after dunking ourselves into a cold Oregon river waiting to be rescued.

The three "patients" shortly after dunking ourselves into a cold Oregon river waiting to be rescued.

Sophia drying my head as a hypothermia wrap is being prepared.

Sophia drying my head as a hypothermia wrap is being prepared.

Feeling much warmer inside the hypothermia wrap complete with plastic lining and several sleeping bags.

Feeling much warmer inside the hypothermia wrap complete with plastic lining and several sleeping bags.

The Ice Is Here!!

On Saturday we visited Lee Vining Canyon for the first time this season.  With the recent cold temperatures the ice is forming and climbing is now possible for beginning through advanced levels.  Currently as we write this it is storming in the Sierra with the first of a series of systems expected to hit the area this week.  No doubt a lot more ice will be formed up soon!  Here are a couple highlights from the day.  The rest of the pictures are here:  http://kurtwedbergphotography.com/Sierra-Trips/2009-Sierra-Trips/Lee-Vining-Cyn-Dec-5-2009/10550857_jXnfU/1/732779755_cQWdu

Lori and Heidi geared up and ready for a great day.

Lori and Heidi geared up and ready for a great day.

Heidi swinging tools on Chouinard Falls

Heidi swinging tools on Chouinard Falls

Lori poses for the camera at the beginning of a climb.

Lori poses for the camera at the beginning of a climb.

Heidi lowering off after a successful climb.

Heidi lowering off after a successful climb.