by: christina lee, program facilitator
Heading to Austin
On Friday, November 11th, the YO program facilitators and program director left for a weekend of camping and learning. The main purpose of the trip was to attend the NOLS Wilderness Medicine First Aid Class. Allowing us to be better prepared in our first aid skills, and in performing first aid in the unique conditions of the wilderness. While we hope to never need these skills, the entire team feels much more confident and prepared from attending this important skills class.
A Little Fun (Of Course)
But we can’t be in Austin and be all work! During the trip we also used the opportunity to scout Emma Long Metropolitan Park and bouldering gyms in Austin. This is key because are taking campers here during our Thanksgiving Urban Rock Climbing Camp. After setting up camp at the beautiful lakeside park the facilitators had a fun Friday evening at the well equipped Crux Climbing Gym. It was exciting to see the facilitators working together, encouraging each other, and challenging themselves. On Saturday night the team attended the Austin Creek Show along the Waterloo Greenbelt and enjoyed the vibrant Austin downtown art installations set along the beautiful Waller Creek.
All Engines GO!
Saturday and Sunday were full days of Wilderness First Aid training. The program gave detailed medical information for things such as making sure a scene is safe and secure, using PPE, and what to do if you have to improvise. It also covered how to do a complete head-to-toe medical check, take vitals, improvised splints, heat and cold related illnesses, allergic reactions, stopping bleeding and when it is necessary to get advanced medical care quickly. All of the facilitators finished the weekend feeling better prepared and more confident in their ability to care for others in tough situations.
More Than Just a Team
It is not often that the team gets a weekend to spend together. So this weekend was especially important for helping us to build a strong unit that can provide the absolute best experiences for the youth that participate in our programs. We look forward to our next training adventure, ACCT Ropes Course training in late January, right here at our own ropes course.
