Wilderness first aiders at the ready

We've done lots of learning, lots of practical scenarios and this evening, we passed our group practical assessment, hurrah!

The 7 of us came across 3 victims of a climbing accident, one with a broken shin (protruding shin bone, very nice) and internal abdominal bleeding; one with cuts and grazes; and one unconscious with a suspected spinal injury. It was quite intense and the fake wounds were good! We got them all as comfy as possible and treated what we could, then waited for mountain rescue to evacuate them.

Tomorrow, we have our exam and then we're done. It has been pretty full on, I'm knackered! After the exam tomorrow, I have to spend my afternoon prepping for the ride... oooooh!

The Ride Approaches!

With increasing excitement and intrepidation, not to mention nervous checking of the forecast (still below freezing at night!), I am coming to terms with the fact that The Ride is almost upon me.

Having seen the roads from a driver's point of view, I can assure you that this ride will be no picnic. Oh, and I hear that the bears wake up around this time. But I hope there won't be anything Canada can throw at me that I can't handle!

I'm doing this ride for a variety of reasons that will come out over the course of the trip, no doubt. But one of the less selfish aspects is raising money for a Canadian conservation charity on the ride.  The environment has always been close to my heart and there's lots of it to look after in Canada!

If you'd like to show your support, please have a look at my fundraising page: https://e-activist.com/p2p/yolkyq
All donations much appreciated!

Cringe

After some dry theory on the first aid course in the morning, we started getting into some practical patient assessments to check for injuries. A demo of the Head to Toe Exam was underway, with me as the volunteer patient, 6 other students observing, and the fit young course leader Andrew as the examiner. Andrew pressed on my head and face to feel for breaks, then my neck and shoulders ribs, abdomen, hips, arms and legs. And just when I thought it was all over, I heard "and don't forget to check up the pant legs for blood from a traumatic wound" as my trouser leg was hitched up to reveal the horror of my unshaven travellers' legs to the group. If the ground would swallow me up now, that would be great. 

And if only it had ended there! Andrew then removed my shoes and socks and fondled my sweaty feet to check my circulation. Oh lord have mercy! Have you ever had a stranger try to put your sweaty socks back on your feet whilst you play dead? I wouldn't recommend it as an experience. 

The rest of the day was good, but I might be a day getting over it.

Wilderness first aid

Today I drove to Fredericton. It was a varied and interesting 5 hour drive... sometimes there was a light drizzle, sometimes a heavy drizzle. A few times it outright rained, and at least twice the rain gave way completely to mist. Woohoo.

Once I got to the hostel, I ditched the rental car with mixed emotions (Good riddance you American shitheap! Farewell long boring drives! Oh how I will miss your speedy engine.) And I started to assemble my bike. I have concluded to resume in a bike shop. Enough said.

I had a good evening in the pub with Mary my room-mate though so balance restored!

The next 4 days will be spent on a first aid course in the univeristy here in New Brunswick, which I'm looking forward to, minus the early start tomorrow.

The Melt

About 10 days ago, I stayed in the Aberdeen Motel, by a frozen lake and a snow covered forest. Today, I passed it again on my way through and did a double take... the lake was glistening in the sunshine and there was no snow to be seen!

Here's a before and after shot of a lakeside cabin near to the motel.

Forest & falls pics

Winter wonderland pics