NOTE: JUNE COURSE IS FULL. But watch this space as we may run another course later in the year.
You may be familiar with PWR Urban Ascent, the indoor climbing gym. However, this is not their core business. Paull and Warner Resources (PWR) offer safety, emergency and rescue training to the mining and construction industry. Currently, one of their trainers is the acting manager of Urban Ascent.
There is no company currently offering climbing specific rescue courses in Perth. So I am very excited to be able to tell you that we have arranged for PWR to conduct a specifically tailored climbing rescue and first aid course for members. It will be run over a weekend with an indoor component (theory and practical) on the first day and then an outdoor module the following day.
I believe that there is a real gap in the knowledge of most climbers when it comes to dealing with climbing related emergencies. Even basic first aid training seems to be lacking. What would you do on a multi-pitch climb if your partner broke their leg? How would you cope in a remote area if a rock knocked one of you out? Or if you fell on approach and got skewered by something? (I mention this last one because I had a very close call on the Easter long weekend and am lucky to have only a cracked rib rather than a punctured lung).
Numbers will be strictly limited to a maximum of 10 people with a minimum of 5 required to proceed with the course. However, if there is demand, then the course can be run again.
But wait, there’s more! In recognition of the fact that most climbers are poor dirt baggers, PWR has kindly agreed to run this course at a heavily reduced cost (and I really do mean HEAVILY reduced). AND in addition to this, the course fee will be subsidised by CAWA. I anticipate the cost being under $100 per member for the ENTIRE WEEKEND: less than half of what you would pay even for just for a basic first aid course. We are trying to make this as accessible as possible for members.
Topics will include:
- Rescue from height techniques, contact and non-contact methods
- Raising and lowering of casualties (mechanical advantage)
- Use of stretchers
- Casualty handling and basic spinal management
- Basic first aid for climbing injuries
- Suspension intolerance (orthostatic shock) causes, symptoms and first aid
Come and join me! I’ll definitely be doing this one.
More details to follow, including date and cost. We are looking at a weekend in June.
It would be helpful if we could get an idea of the level of interest so we can try and lock in a firm date and cost.
As you probably gathered, this course is a member benefit. It’s easy to join online today. Just click on the link on the home page.
Please email me at denar@climberswa.asn.au with any queries and to register your interest.
Dena Rao
CAWA President
