Although we planned on eating in (we had the camper with us) each evening, the homework and reading made that impossible, as we would get home at about 6pm and study until we couldn't stay awake, usually about 10pm, which is real late for me.
Even the evening sessions didn't end when the instruction stopped, as our homework included things like; getting vital signs on all participants, so one night we all just stayed around and had a VS session until the University folks kicked us out.
Even though the days were long and FILLED, I always looked forward to the next day. I would recommend this course to anyone that spends time in the back-country. In fact, the amount of info attained was amazing, beyond that directly attributable to rendering help, e.g. water filtering vs. purifying, loose vs. tight boots, sleeping mats, etc.
In my 57 years and numerous course and classes, this is probably the best one I have ever taken, both from a content/usability and material presentation standpoint. This WFR class was by the Wilderness Medical Institute of NOLS the National Outdoor Leadership School. I highly recommend our instructors Josh McNary and Maureen Fox.
Another big plus during any course are the participants, and here again everyone was great. The class was made up mostly of young folks involved in outdoor education and work that required a WFR certification, but there were a few of us with a "life experience" edge, e.g. older.
Sometimes the practice session in the classroom (BTW: Mesa State is a wonderful campus) could get messy in the lead up to a outdoor scenario.
We would have about 3 outdoor scenarios a day. These outdoor scenarios went on rain or shine and last week was a rainy one in Grand Junction. On one of the occasions when it wasn't raining they brought out the hoses to "keep it real". In fact on a multiple patient (not victims) scenario last Thursday afternoon the GJ Police and EMS groups showed up.
Saturday night we had a scenario set in the ravines and rocks of Bang Canyon west of town.
The views before we were out on the trail (and the sun set) were spectacular. We got out of the
canyon about 10pm. We both decided our $5 headlamps from Harbor Freight needed to be upgraded.
UPDATE: Marlys and I went in to the REI in the Springs today and picked up Black Diamond Storms recommended by our lighting consultant, thanks Alan.
Monday was for testing, a 100 question multiple choice and a practical scenario that included both a medical and skeletal/muscular injury. We both passed and were back on the road home by 2pm.
It is good though to be home.
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