Comparative Study of Wilderness Medicine Protocols and Procedures in College Outdoor Programs
Open Access
- Author:
- Boell, Keeley
- Area of Honors:
- Recreation and Park Management
- Degree:
- Bachelor of Science
- Document Type:
- Thesis
- Thesis Supervisors:
- Brendan Derrick Taff, Thesis Supervisor
Andrew Justin Mowen, Thesis Honors Advisor - Keywords:
- outdoor recreation
outdoor program
outing
wilderness medicine
risk management
medical kit
evacuation
epinephrine
outdoor
outdoor orientation program - Abstract:
- The purpose of this comparative study was to examine the differences in wilderness medicine practices of outdoor programs at colleges and universities. This research sought to identify underlying industry standards as well as differences in training certifications, medical supplies, and medical emergency protocols. The following research questions guided the study: (a) What are the differences in staff training and certifications for different positions? (b) What is the underlying standard for a medical kit and supply policy? (c) What are the differences in protocols for handling a medical emergency? Findings indicate that most programs require at least some staff members to be WFA and WFR certificated. Required certifications vary with position within programs. Staff can access these certifications through classes and third parties. When staff is not able to access them through university classes, programs try to assist staff in paying for it by having the program pay, fundraising, or offering scholarships. Most programs offer additional training to refresh certification knowledge and teach staff about common injuries seen in the field. Medical kit supplies may be restricted by the university, and many schools need permission to have certain medications such as epinephrine. School policy and cost are a barrier to programs looking to provide medical supplies. Programs differed in their policies regarding controlled substances such as prescription drugs, medical marijuana, and weapons. Medical evacuation protocols also varied between programs. All programs use communication devices and these devices varied based on the location of the groups. The information reported for a medical issue was similar and focused on SOAP notes, but the order this information is given should be standardized. Finally, when a participant needs to be evacuated, programs either have trip leaders evacuate their own participant or have staff members in the front country enter the field to complete the evacuation. Despite these differences, these evacuators typically had the highest level of certification required by the program.