Week 1 Complete!

Candidates - Nice work on completing week #1.

As we discussed, top priority now is to fully ingest & become comfortable with the patient assessment "flow".  Don't worry too much about speed at this point; we'll work on that soon.  For now focus on committing the baseline assessment procedure to memory and being able to execute it at a moment's notice.  As a wise man once said: "know the flow like you know your name".

The best approach for most is to get as much practice as possible - walking through it verbally by repeating it to yourself often, and getting practical experience with your friends, family, pets, etc. 

See you all on Saturday for practice, and looking forward to seeing everyone on Tuesday for a special event - the Assessment Lottery...

Class Presentation Materials & Photo Album

Candidates -

Here's a link to the PPT we use in class, and to the class photo album:

Class PPT here.

Class photo album here.

Skills Evaluation Sheets

As we discussed in class, here are the skills evaluations sheets that we'll use for in-class scenario evaluations, the midterm, and a template for what the examiners use at the final practical exam.  Links here.

Assessment Flow Verbalization

As we discussed in class, nailing the assessment flow is critical. 

To fully internalize it, many candidates find it a useful learning aide to sit down & write out the assessment flow as they would perform it.   A candidate from a couple years ago, Piotr, created a nice version.  Link here.

Use as suits your learning style.   And, of course, make the time to practice this critical skill.

Preparations for Class Start Next Week

Candidates - 

We have 10 candidates 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/reiterate a few items to focus on: 

- As you know, our first class is next Tuesday, Sept 4.  We'll start class at 6:30PM, 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. 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, it's very important to 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 spend the first class sessions on this important skill, and it's important that you arrive at class with this well studied so that we can hit the ground running.

- 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 such as what's described in the blog, i.e. backpack good; shopping bag not. 

Looking forward to having you all in class this year.  Shoot me a note with any questions you may have,
Bill

Saturday Class Info

Candidates -

A question came up about the Saturday class logistics. Here's the scoop:

Saturday classes are not mandatory, but *highly* recommended. Great opportunity to solidify practical skills that we review in class, plus get some additional 1:1 time with patrollers to clarify questions, etc.

Saturday class are typically 9AM to around noon. We typically pick a public park - last year Rinconada Park in Palo Alto.  Likely the same this year, but we'll make the final call once we know a bit more about where everyone is coming from and thus we can pick something central.

CPR Class 2018

Candidates -

As you saw on the Class Materials & Preparation tab, we require all candidates to have a CPR certification complete by the midterm.

Once again this year, Bianca Gonzalez of LifeSafety Associates will hold a CPR class for those in our course that need it.  The class will be AHA compliant, which is usually sufficient for most patrols in Tahoe.  Check with yours to be sure.

Details:

Date: Saturday, Sept. 22.  8:30AM to 12:30PM

Location: LifeSafety Associates.  1876 Hartog Dr, San Jose, CA 95131    GoogleMap here.

Cost & Registration: $63.  Contact Bianca Gonzalez directly to register & arrange payment:  bgonzalez @ lifesafety.com

Big thanks to Bianca for he help here. 

More info on Life Safety here:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/lifesafety/