Wilderness EMT Module (WEMT)
Course is 48 hours - must have current CPR and State or National EMT cert. to apply (Limit 20).
FAQs ABOUT THE WEMT MODULE
What makes the SOLO Wilderness EMT program different from other medical programs?
SOLO’s Wilderness Medical programs are taught by advanced level EMT's with many years of backcountry rescue experience. These experiences have prepared them with a wide spectrum of knowledge and practical skills which make the courses rich and engaging. The concepts taught during the programs have been applied in actual wilderness settings in a variety of terrain and weather conditions.
The WEMT course covers three important areas typically not presented in other medical training programs.
- Prolonged treatment of the patient: when transport times extend into hours and days, the phases of patient care that usually take place in the hospital must be carried out in the field. WEMT training prepares students for this situation.
- Limited equipment: in a remote wilderness setting there is usually very limited equipment available for use in the treatment of a patient. During the course students learn how to improvise the tools and equipment they need. This is one of the most important concepts of wilderness medicine. WEMT students also learn how to adapt and use standard ambulance equipment for extended transport problems.
- Difficult environments: remote environments bring many challenges to rescuers. The extremes of cold and heat make dealing with patients even more difficult. During the course, students learn how to recognize the effects of these environmental changes in their patients and how to protect themselves from the same effects.
What type of certification do I receive when I complete the course?
You will receive a SOLO Wilderness EMT certificate of completion. This certifies that you have completed the requirements for the 48 hour WEMT program.
Will I receive continuing education credit?
EMT-B's, EMT-I's, and EMT-P's will receive up to 48 hours of official continuing education credit issued by San Juan Island EMS. This curriculum has been approved by the State of Washington. Each state sets its own guidelines for qualifying CE credits. You should contact your state for specific details.
How much time is spent in the classroom and how much outside?
The course includes lecture and discussion as well as hands-on practical training and experience. About half of the time will be classroom discussion. Much of the hands on training takes place outside the classroom. You will be involved in various simulated training scenarios throughout the course during which practical skills are emphasized. These simulations will be developed during the course and represent the various skill areas covered in the curriculum. These simulations are videotaped and used as a learning tool during class.
How rigorous are the outdoor training and simulations?
The main emphasis of the course is rapid patient assessment and the application of life saving techniques and skills. Appropriate evacuation and wilderness rescue are important components of this goal. The WEMT course is not, however, a detailed course in high angle rescue techniques and does not include extended hiking and climbing. Special courses covering these skills are available as separate training programs. The portions of the course that do require physical effort are tempered to accommodate a wide range of skills and abilities. If you have a physical condition or injury which limits involvement in strenuous activities, this does not exclude you from enrollment in the program.
How many written tests should I expect to take during the course?
Students should expect to be presented with a quiz every day of class. There is also a final written and practical exam that will be given during the last day of class. All written and practical quizzes and tests do count toward final credit for the class. A minimum of 70% on the written exam and “pass” on the practical exam are required for certification.
Do I need to purchase a textbook?
No. All of the text materials we use will be provided for you
as a part of the fee for the course.
What skills will I be able to use as a WEMT that I am not allowed to use now?
First it is vital that each WEMT student understand that no one is allowed to use any skills (even within the level of your current certification) without appropriate authorization from your state and local medical control. In other words, you must receive permission from your physician advisor before you can perform any acts or skills you learn during this or any other training program. There are several unique skills and techniques that you will gain from the course. These are modified treatment procedures for Wound Care, Fractures and Dislocations, Medication Administration, Modified CPR, Hypothermia, and Spine Management. These modified techniques can only be used when specific conditions exist. These conditions include: Extended transport times (longer than 1-2 hours), appropriate training, and appropriate authorization from your legal state and physician advisor.
Why should I enroll in the SOLO WEMT program?
The SOLO WEMT course is a fast moving and challenging continuing education program for EMT's at any level. You will learn how to re-package the knowledge and skills that you already have into a compact, down to earth easy to access format. Your assessment skills will be sharpened as you apply them during many hours of hands on practice. Your ability to work with patients over an extended time will be greatly enhanced. If you have the potential of working in unfriendly environments away from the hospital or ambulance, this course provides essential training that may save a patient's life as well as your own. Whether you are strictly a search and rescue member working in the backcountry, or a person who rarely works away from an ambulance, the WEMT course will help you to gain confidence and make you better at what you do.
What should I bring to the course?
Bring a notebook and writing materials for the classroom. Bring appropriate clothing for the weather conditions. This should include jackets, rain gear, gloves or mittens, hat, shell pants and shell jacket if available, durable water-proof shoes or boots, and a flashlight or headlamp. You will need a water bottle, a sleeping bag, pad, and all toiletries and towels.
Any other questions? Contact San Juan School of Wilderness and Emergency Medicine at 360-378-5152 or by email.
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