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Aspire Adventure Running and Backcountry Medical Guides have teamed up to provide a three-day, retreat-style, destination Wilderness First Aid certification course for trail runners.
Through a blend of hands-on skills and scenario training, this course will address the topics necessary to prepare runners with a foundation in backcountry medicine, and the knowledge to prevent and address common injuries.
Aspire Adventure Running organizes multi-day running adventures through the pristine wilderness of Cascadia and Northern California. Their team pairs logistical and emergency support with a playful après culture... cue up the warm tents, delicious meals, and welcoming community for an unforgettable backcountry running experience.
The Aspire calendar has offerings to match every level of motivation and skill, from the 3-day, 95 mile Wonderland Trail circumnavigation in Mt. Rainier National Park, to beach camp-outs in the San Juan Islands with "choose your own adventure" mileage and laid back camp vibes.
Please note: This program’s pricing will increase as the course date nears. The schedule will be as follows:
Early Bird Registration: $1200 - Ends January 31st.
Regular Registration: $1300 - Ends April 30th.
Late Registration: $1400 - Closes May 7th
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• Wilderness First Aid, valid for 2 years
• CPR: AED Adult/ Child/ Infant, valid for 2 years
• Wilderness First Responder-Refresher for those holding a current WFR Certification or within 1 year of expiration, valid for 2 years. Additional e-labs apply.
• Washington Epinephrine Auto-Injector Certification, valid for 2 years
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• Manage risk through pre-trip planning and preventative techniques: communications, first aid kits, sports nutrition and hydration, equipment checklists, trip itineraries.
• Assess and treat life threatening emergencies: airway management, hemorrhage control, CPR, shock, and stabilization.
• Practice common trauma techniques: wound and fracture management, head injuries, neck and spine injury, blunt trauma, burns, dental and eye trauma.
• Develop important judgment skills for the assessment and evacuation of medical and environmental emergencies in the backcountry: heat and cold emergencies, animal bites and stings, lightning and adverse weather, search and rescue basics, cardiac and respiratory emergencies, diabetes, seizures, anaphylaxis.
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Friday, Day 1: Boat Taxi to Sucia and Instruction
We will meet in the early afternoon at Skyline Marina in Anacortes WA to take a private water taxi to Sucia Island. It is a short sail to Sucia where we will discover our new home for the weekend. After setting up camp we will start holding class. Aspire will serve dinner, libations, and stoke the bonfire
Saturday, Day 2: Instruction and Trail Runs
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be served by Aspire. The day will be dedicated to instruction, but time will be available to run the island's trails and explore the beaches.
Sunday, Day 3: Instruction, Boat Taxi Home
This is the final day of instruction. Aspire will serve breakfast and lunch. Our return cruise to Anacortes is tide dependent but is typically mid-afternoon.
**Note: the itinerary is fluid and is subject to change for safety and weather/ environmental factors including wind, rain/ snow, Air Quality Index, trail closures, traffic considerations, etc.
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The class embarks on trails over moderate terrain (gravel, roots, some incline). For class you will need to travel up to 5 miles and there will be options to go on longer distance runs. Consideration should be taken to ensure you are fit enough to embark on these trails. Please contact BMG if you would like more information about fitness requirements.
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All of our programs have a minimum age requirement based on physical intensity and/or the mature nature of the online and in-person content. The minimum age for this program is 14, with anyone under 18 requiring a guardian’s consent as well as a chaperone, who must also enroll in the course. We reserve the right to make exceptions to this policy depending on circumstances. If you have any questions, please reach out to info@backcountrymedical.org to see whether an exception is possible.
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This course is held rain or shine and will require clothing suited for any weather. The following is a list of recommended gear you will need to bring will you:
• Camping gear: tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad
• Camping plate, bowl, mug, and utensils
• Hat (sun hat and warm hat)
• Gloves
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Your favorite running attire
• Rain jacket
• Warm layers
• Long sleeves for sun protection
• Appropriate footwear for trail running
• Water bottle
• Pen or pencil
**Notebooks are optional, a manual with lecture notes is provided at the beginning of the course that can be used to take notes.
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Sucia Island is located just 2.5 miles north of Orcas Island and is home to beautiful anchorages, hidden beaches, sprawling forests, and backcountry trails. It provides the ideal backdrop for Wilderness First Aid instruction and live-action scenarios. During this course, we will be camping on Sucia Island. From our base camp, we will explore the island, do hands-on scenarios, and enjoy learning in an outdoor setting.
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We are excited to welcome you to beautiful Bellingham, Washington! There’s a reason (many, actually) BMG is headquartered here, most notably our incredible access to all our favorite kinds of recreation. We look forward to showing you some of our go-to trails and beaches!
Where to Stay:
Bellingham has no shortage of convenient places to stay, most of which are within a short drive of our program locations. BMG has a local rates with the following hotels:
Holiday Inn & Suites Bellingham
Both are located near the airport, only a few minutes outside of town.