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News
Timely Wilderness First Aid Training Proves Vital in Rescuing Injured Hunter
12/13/2024
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CHARLESTON, W.VA.—Just days after completing a Wilderness First Aid training course, firefighters with the Gilmer County Volunteer Fire Department put their new skills to use when called to rescue an injured hunter in a remote area of the rural county.
The hunter, who suffered a serious injury due to a fall, was located approximately 1.5 miles deep in the woods, which made reaching him a challenge. Rescuers navigated rugged terrain on a side-by-side and on foot to reach the hunter. Thanks to their Wilderness First Aid training, the firefighters were able to stabilize him on-site, addressing his injuries and preparing him for secure transport to the waiting HealthNet helicopter.
Fire Chief Martin Hess praised the team’s efforts, highlighting how the training paid off in a real-world scenario. “Working this call with emergency medical services and the Division of Natural Resources, you’d think we’d practiced together extremely hard,” said Chief Hess. “It was almost like watching a TV show where everything fell right into place. It couldn’t have worked any better.”
Right
: Training to save lives in the wilderness! Firefighters from the Gilmer County Volunteer Fire Department stepped up to the challenge during a hands-on wilderness first aid training, complete with realistic scenarios and injuries.
Photo courtesy Fire Chief Martin Hess
The Wilderness First Aid course, designed to prepare responders for emergencies in remote or difficult environments, equipped the team with critical skills such as assessing injuries, treating wounds, and managing medical emergencies far from immediate help.
Chief Hess thanked the West Virginia Emergency Management Division (WVEMD) for offering the class, stating “You guys are the reason we have trainings like this in West Virginia.” Hess also emphasized the importance of ongoing training for first responders, especially in rural settings where access to medical resources can be delayed. “This class made a real difference for us and for the hunter we rescued. It’s something I’d recommend to every department,” he said.
“This rescue is a powerful example of why we prioritize specialized training for our first responders,” said WVEMD Director GE McCabe. “Wilderness First Aid equips responders with the skills they need to save lives in remote and challenging environments, like the rugged terrain of Gilmer County. The teamwork and skills demonstrated by the firefighters, along with DNR and EMS, shows the critical value of preparation. We are very proud to support training programs that make a real difference for our communities.”
The Gilmer County Volunteer Fire Department and WVEMD encourage community organizations and individuals to seek out similar training to enhance preparedness for emergencies in remote areas.
For more information about the Wilderness First Aid program, please contact instructor Bob Ruzewski at
bob@ruzewski.com
.
Learn more about upcoming trainings
https://emd.wv.gov/Preparedness/Training/Pages/Training-Opportunities.aspx
.
Contact Information
Lora D Lipscomb, Public Information Officer