Outdoor Emergency Care on Flipboard

For grins, I created a custom magazine on Flipboard on Outdoor Emergency Care. You're probably familiar with Flipboard , a (primarily) tablet app which enables viewers to browse subjects of interest as "magazines".  Some of these are curated by the Flipboard staff, others by individuals on topics of their own interest.  I did the latter for OEC.   I've got a few articles there now, and as I run across articles of interest/relevance, I will be adding them to this "magazine".

Have a look at the link below.  Best viewed on a tablet, but also viewable by web.  Let me know what you think.  I've sent this to a few folks and feedback to date is positive.   My thinking is to get some initial commentary on this, and then develop a contributor network to provide crowd-sourced content of interest.

Link here: http://flip.it/9cPvK

Happy Holidays

CONGRATULATIONS NEW PATROLLERS!

When we started our class this last summer, we said one thing - train hard so game day is easy.  And you all did just that - committing countless hours at class, studying, and practicing.  And you didn't just succeed, you excelled!

Speaking for the entire instructor crew, a huge congratulations to each and every one of you.  You did a great job.

Also a huge thanks to the all the patrollers who helped out with this year's class - those that helped at class, as well as those behind the scenes.  You are the people that made this class what it was and we could not have done it without you.

So all of you - patrollers new & old - take a moment to pat yourself on the back for a job well done.    ...and then check CMS.

See you all at the celebration BBQ next weekend.

Final press for the final exam

Great job all on the Written Final.  Now the final press for the Practical Final.  As we discussed in class, keep these in mind:

You've all trained hard.  You're ready.  Let's go crush it.

Interesting Article on Scene Safety: What Does Scene Safety Really Mean?

Interesting article on EMS1.com re: scene safety and the continued diligence we must each maintain.  Link to article here.

Mass Casualty Night Success (and Pictures)

Great job candidates!  And a huge thanks to all the volunteers.  We had nearly 50 people for the event and I I think we can all say we achieved our goals of a) creating a great learning experience and b) having some fun doing it.   Full set of pics here.

Pediatric Night Pictures

Pediatric night was chaos, and fun for all.

Cardiac Quizlet

Eric found an interesting Quizlet on cardiac structures & function:

http://quizlet.com/24535500/flashcards

FYI.

Wrapping up the Lectures...

Special populations (Pediatric, Geriatric, Pregnancy) lecture.  

Great job, Claire!

It's a team effort

Week 10 - Three weeks to go!

Everyone in class has put in tremendous effort and is doing well.  It's time to hone our skills in the final prep/push for the final.  Here's the set of observations we discussed in class last night that deserve some extra attention.  As we make this final press, keep these at front of mind.

OEC V Chapter Readings Updated

Thanks to some diligent work from Joanne Barnes, we noticed that a couple of the chapters are missing from the syllabus reading list.  Updated list now posted.  Just a few tweaks, but be sure to have a look.

Written Final Exam Prep - Updated dates for reviews

As we discussed in class, it's time to turn some attention to prep for the written final exam.  To this end, we'll review one of the past final exams in each upcoming class.  Past inal exams are located here.  Here's our schedule:

§10/23: Review 2011 Exam 1

§10/28: Review 2011 Exam 2

§10/30: Review 2012 Exam 1 (or 2)

§11/6: Review 2013 Exam 3

I'd like each candidate to take/review the above exam each week.  We'll then review highlights/lowlights/questions at the beginning of each class.

Avalanche Classes

Rob Morrow, Alpine Meadows patroller and Eastern Sierra Region Avalanche Advisor is holding a series of avalanche courses this winter.  Always a good idea to be skilled in the conditions you may encounter.  Link to the course information & registration here.

Special Guest Speaker: Dr. Jeff Croke, MD

As I mentioned in class, I am thrilled that Dr. Jeff Croke will be our guest speaker Tuesday, Oct14.  

As you can see, Jeff is a highly accomplished physician AND ski patrolman.  Jeff has prepared some remarks for us, and then will take questions.  Get your questions ready!

More on Jeff, including video, here.

Successul Midterm & Backboard Sunday

A big congratulations to the candidates who made it through midterm & backboard Sunday weekend with flying colors.  Grueling days, very productive.  Congrats.

And a huge thanks to all the instructors who helped out.   We had a great turn-out, excellent instruction, and very positive results. Thank you all once again.

Now on to the second half of class.  Tuesday we do sager traction splints and then on to more complex thorasic and abdomnial injuries, environmental complications, and special patient populations. Looking forward to moving forward with continued positive results.

Pics from the weekend are at:

Midterm: https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B85u-4tRtJEyYU1vRk8yVnhaSUU&usp=sharing

Backboard Sunday: https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B85u-4tRtJEyZ0dWMWFxTTF4RDQ&usp=sharing

Heart Attack Symptoms - Men vs Women

In class last week, we touched on heart attacks, and touched on the different symptoms male/female.  Thanks to Mike Nealon who pointed out this instructive article on the topic.  Thanks Mike.

Link here.

Midterm Skills Checklist

As we discussed in class, here's the Skills Check-off sheet we'll use for the midterm skills evaluation.  Link here.

Number of scenarios is directly correlated to final exam success... Pics from Week 6.

Midterm & Backboard Sunday Plan

As we discussed in class, next weekend we have two important events:

         > Saturday is midterm day.  We'll start at 9AM.  First, you'll demonstrate & be evaluated on every bandage, splint, & airway adjunct you've learned.  You'll also demonstrate boot & helmet removal.  Bring your boots & helmet and don't forget to bring your victim (as well as your camera for great social media pics).  This should take about 2 hours.  Saturday afternoon, we'll do a select set of scenarios on which you'll be graded per the final exam protocols.   We should wrap up around 2PM.  Bring your own lunch or snacks.

         > Sunday is Backboard Sunday.  Coffee at 7:30 and start promptly at 8:00.  We'll cover techniques in the AM and then do a variety of backboard scenarios in the afternoon.  Dave R. is arranging lunch.  Wear old clothes, bring kneepads, and be prepared to get dirty.  The day will go through 4-5PM.

Shock Reference

Ran across this article on shock.  Chart and article are a good reference: http://www.ehealthstar.com/hypovolemia/hypovolemic-shock

Week 5 Complete

Congratulations to all for solid work to date.  As we've discussed, we've now completed a set of basic skills - assessment, bandaging, & splinting - which will form a baseline set of tools in your quiver.  We'll use Tuesday to review these tools one more time, and then move forward to more complex situations where you'll pull from this toolkit and apply new skills you'll learn soon.  Keep up the good work.

Written Final Exam Study Materials

It's time to start studying for the final written exam.  Here are three tools which may be helpful:

- The test bank questions, sorted by OEC V book chapters, is at:  OEC V Chapter Tests  Answers to each question are located at the end of each question listing.

- The actual final exams for the past 3 years are located at the bottom of:  OEC V Chapter Tests  

- Finally, One of last year's South Bay students used the Quizlet application to create a set of flashcards containing the questions & answers.  It can be found at http://quizlet.com/29785932/flashcards  You can either study the flash cards on your laptop browser, or mobile using the iPhone & Andriod app.  Once you install it, if you search for "OEC Final 2013" you should be able to get to them.  Also -- when studying, if you click on the "Shuffle" button, it'll mix them up.

Week 3 Complete

Nice work all.  As we discussed in class, our priorities now are competence & confidence in assessment skills and learning baseline treatments.  Next week we'll begin learning some of the basic tools we have at our disposal.

In the meantime some pics from Thursday's scenarios:

Bandaging & Splinting Guides

This week and next we cover bandaging & splinting. As we discussed in class, there are two documents on the class GoogleDrive that are helpful.  Link here.

Assessment Flow Verbalization

As we discussed in class, many candidates find it a useful learning aide to sit down & write out the assessment flow as they would perform it.

If this suits your learning style, I'd recommend it.  As we mentioned at the end of Wednesday's class, Piotr created a nice version last year.  Link here.

I'd recommend you take a cut at your own first, but you can use this as a reference.  And, of course, make the time to practice this critical skill.

Week 1 Complete

Nice job all.  As we discussed, assessment is the foundation of the class and critical to know and be able to perform well.  Week 1 is a bit like drinking from a firehose, so keep the following in mind:

- Practice, practice, practice.  In your car, on your run, with your family, etc.  Get in as much as you can.  Specifically, I'd like to see each of you do at least 10 assessments over the weekend.  We'll review your experiences on Tuesday.

- Slides from this week's sessions are here.   Download/use as you see fit.

Next week, we'll focus on practicing assessments in a variety of configurations.  As we discussed, they will escalate in complexity as we progress through class.  Get your practice in now so you're well prepared.

Once again, nice job all!

Class Starts This Week

As you all know, class starts this week.  A few key things to note:

- Class is on Tuesday and Wednesday nights this week.  Moving forward, classes will be on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

- Class starts at 7PM to goes until 10PM.  Location details in the notes below.

- Once again, be sure to read and fully digest the "Guide to Assessment" document prior to the first class.

See you all in class!

Cravat Construction

We've had some questions on what a folded cravat looks like.  Here's a pic.  Instructions here.

Class Location Specifics

As you know from the tab above, we'll hold the class at NetApp campus in Sunnyvale.  Specifically, we'll be in the Java7 building cafeteria.  Our host provided these instructions/directions:

"...As you turn on Crossman from Java, the first set of buildings on
your left hand side are Java 1 and 2. Then there is a parking
garage and Java 7 followed by Java 8. I'd suggest to people that
they park between Java 7 and Java 8 and go into the
Cafeteria directly from the side entrance..."

Preparations for Next Week's Class Start

OEC SouthBay 2014 Students -

We've got a full class and great instructor crew assembled and are looking forward to a great class.  In preparation for the start of class next week, I'd like to point out a few items to focus on:

- As you know, our first class is next Tuesday, Aug. 19.  We'll start class at 7PM, but I'd advise you show up a 15 mins or so early to take care of some paperwork, get to know a few folks, and get settled.  Note also that this week only, class is on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings.  Tuesday and Thursday thereafter.  Location specifics/directions on the blog.

- As you saw in the "Class Materials" section of the blog, be sure you have read the initial chapters in the book, and in particular, spend some extra time to read and fully digest the "Guide to Assessment".   Assessment is a foundation of medical treatment, and is critical to have down 100% so that you can determine and direct appropriate treatment.  We'll spend the first classes on this important skill.

- As you also saw in the blog, our class is driven in large part by scenarios - simulated situations where you'll be applying the skills you're learning in class.  With this approach, you'll get dirty - spending time on the floor, with moulage, etc.  As such, it's best to wear old clothes that you're comfortable exposing to such situations.

- Finally, we have a set of supplies you'll be receiving Tuesday. Bring something to carry it all in.  Backpack good; shopping bag not.

Looking forward to having you all in class this year.  Shoot me any questions at the email address above,
Bill

Class Registration Update

As of tonight, our class registration is full with 15 students registered and 1 on the waiting list.  Moving forward, we'll add any additional interested candidates to the wait list and assimilate into class if spaces free up.

For those students registered, see last weeks post on Class Preparations here.

Preparations for Class

With three weeks to go before class starts, it's time to get moving on a couple key items:

- Have a close read of the "Course Materials" page on the website. Taking care of the items noted will put you well prepared for class. 

- Take special note of the reading required before the first class.  Getting a head start on the book reading will pay big dividends.  

- And specifically, please be sure to fully read and digest the "Guide to Assessment" prior to the first class. 

Looking forward to having you all in class.

CPR Certification Requirements

We had a few questions re: CPR certification.  Here's the scoop:  Although this is not required for the OEC Class, your patrol will require an active CPR certification.  Your patrol will likely require certification from either American Red Cross or American Heart Association.  Check with your patrol on which they require, and then sign up for a class at the links above.  Note most patrols require the "CPR for the Professional Rescuer" certification.

Fall 2014 Course Registration Information

We've completed our planning and are ready to proceed.  Specifics on the class, syllabus, registration & student preparation are posted on this website in the tabs above.   We'll post future updates here as well, so be sure to check regularly.

Details to note:

- The class we be held August 19 to November 15, 2014.  We'll meet 2 nights/week, usually on Tuesday and  Thursday nights, from 7 to 10, plus one weekend. The class syllabus is posted on the website.

- The class will be held at the NetApp campus in Sunnyvale.  Address and map are posted on the website.  Thanks to NetApp for the support.

- Guidelines for pre-class preparation is also posted on the "Course Materials" page of the website.   Be sure to give this a close read, and budget the time for the preparation it suggests.

- Most patrols require a CPR certification.  For those who need to get it, we'll publish details on available courses soon.

- Due to some recent changes at the National Ski Patrol organizational level, we'll have to do class registration old-school, via paper checks.  See the details on the website on the "Registration Fees & Information" tab.   I'd encourage you to register as early as possible.

We're looking forward to meeting you all and having a great class this year.  If you have any questions, feel free to shoot me a note.

Preliminary Fall 2014 Syllabus & Schedule

Here's the preliminary syllabus & schedule for the Fall 2014 South Bay OEC class.  See the tab above or link to it here.