The Chewonki Foundation is sponsoring a 72-hour, Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course in Wiscasset from January 2-10 and a (WFR Re-cert) Challenge Recertification Course January 12, 13, 14, 2008. This medical training course will show students how to deal with backcountry emergencies when they are miles from help and dialing 911 is not an option.

Wilderness Medicine differs from traditional first aid in three respects. First, transport times are measured in hours and days rather than minutes, so many phases of patient care that usually occur in a hospital must be carried out in the field. Second, severe environments dramatically increase the complexity of any emergency and heighten risks to patients and rescuers alike. Third, limited equipment makes improvisation and resourcefulness essential skills.

These issues and more will be addressed by professional instructors from Wilderness Medical Associates, leaders in the field of backcountry medical training. Realistic simulations, complete with fake wounds and stage blood, will be conducted. Past students commonly report of real life rescues that "felt just like a simulation."

Wilderness Medical Associates will certify graduates. For registration information please call Alana Beard, Assistant Wilderness Programs Director, at The Chewonki Foundation, (207 882-7323, or by e-mail

abeard@chewonki.org

.