Tag: emergencypreparedness

Stop The Bleed

Stop The Bleed

The “Stop the Bleed” course is designed to teach individuals how to respond to bleeding emergencies effectively. It’s a crucial skill set for both everyday situations and emergencies, helping to control severe bleeding until professional medical help arrives. Here’s an overview of what you can expect from the course:

Course Objectives:

Recognize Bleeding:

  • Understand the types of bleeding (arterial, venous, capillary) and how to identify severe bleeding.

    Control Bleeding:

  • Apply Direct Pressure: Learn how to use cloths or bandages to apply pressure directly to the wound.
  • Use Tourniquets: Understand when and how to apply a tourniquet to control severe arterial bleeding from limbs.
  • Pack Wounds: For severe bleeding that doesn’t respond to direct pressure, learn how to pack the wound with gauze to control bleeding.

    Manage Shock:

  • Recognize signs of shock (e.g., pale skin, rapid pulse) and learn how to manage it by keeping the person calm and comfortable, and elevating their legs if possible.

    Hands-On Practice:

  • Practice techniques using realistic scenarios and mannequins to gain confidence and skill in controlling bleeding.

Course Content:

Introduction to Bleeding:

    • Overview of anatomy related to bleeding.
    • Discussion on how bleeding can be life-threatening.

First Aid Techniques:

    • Detailed instructions on how to apply direct pressure, use tourniquets, and pack wounds.
    • Demonstration of proper techniques and tools.

Scenario Practice:

    • Hands-on practice with simulations to apply learned skills in a controlled environment.

Review and Certification:

    • Recap of key points and techniques.
    • Certification or acknowledgement of participation (if applicable).

How to Take the Course:

Prepare for the Course:

    • Wear comfortable clothing and be prepared to participate in hands-on activities.

Utilize Resources:

    • After completing the course, review the materials provided and practice techniques regularly to keep your skills sharp.

Importance:

Save Lives:

    • Effective bleeding control can be the difference between life and death in emergencies.

Boost Confidence:

    • Knowing what to do in a bleeding emergency helps you act quickly and calmly.

Community Impact:

    • Being trained empowers you to assist others in need, potentially saving lives in critical situations.

The “Stop the Bleed” course is an invaluable skill set that equips you to handle severe bleeding emergencies effectively and confidently.

This course is two hours in length. All students will receive a certificate of completion upon completing the course. The class is taught by an experienced instructor in CPR/AED, First Aid, and Advanced Bleeding Control. Parking is free. Class Minimum: 4 students

Cancellation & Reschedule Policy:

NO REFUND if you cancel with less than 7 days’ notice
*Cancellations received at least 7 days before class may request a refund minus a $5 processing fee or receive full credit to another class.
*Cancellations received less than 7 days but at least 24 hours before class can be rescheduled with a $10 rescheduling fee. One reschedule is allowed, and your rescheduled class must take place within 90 days of the original class date.
*Cancellations received less than 24 hours before class and “no shows” will not be issued a refund.

Posted on

Will Your Neighborhood Really Be Prepared For The Next Disaster?

Will Your Neighborhood Really Be Prepared For The Next Disaster?

The honest answer is: probably not as prepared as people think.

Here’s how to tell whether your neighborhood is truly ready for the next disaster (whether it’s wildfire, hurricane, flood, earthquake, severe storm, or extended power outage).

Do Your Neighbors Know Each Other?

In real disasters, neighbors are always the first responders.

Ask yourself:

  • Do you know the names of at least 5–10 households in the area?
  • Do you know who is older, disabled, or medically dependent?
  • Is there a group chat, email list, or phone tree?

If people mostly keep to themselves, response time and coordination suffer.

Is There a Community Plan?

Prepared neighborhoods often have:

  • A shared emergency contact list
  • A designated meeting point
  • Evacuation routes, everyone understands
  • A communication backup plan if cell service fails

If no one’s ever talked about it, there probably isn’t one.

Are People Personally Prepared?

Most households lack:

  • 3–7 days of food and water
  • Flashlights + batteries
  • Backup power
  • First aid supplies
  • Fire extinguishers

Prepared individuals = resilient neighborhood.

Infrastructure Reality Check

Consider:

  • How quickly does your area flood after heavy rain?
  • Are power outages common?
  • Is there only one road in/out?
  • Are trees poorly maintained near power lines?
  • Are there bridges or culverts that could impact your travel?

Disaster preparedness isn’t just about supplies — it’s about structural risk.

Does Your Local Government Communicate Well?

  • Are there emergency text alerts?
  • Has the community done drills?
  • Are shelters clearly identified?

If information is hard to find, the response will likely be chaotic.

The Hard Truth: Most communities are reactive rather than proactive.
Preparedness usually improves after a disaster, not before.

But here’s the good news:

Even one motivated person can significantly increase neighborhood resilience.

You can:

  • Start a simple emergency contact list.
  • Host a short preparedness meeting.
  • Create a neighborhood group chat.
  • Share basic preparedness checklists.
  • Coordinate bulk purchases of supplies.

Preparedness spreads socially.

Stay Vigilant and Be Prepared

You play a critical role in your preparedness. By preparing yourself for the unexpected, you will become more self-reliant and a valuable asset to your community.

Posted on

Cascadia Subduction Zone – Are You Prepared For This Mammoth Nightmare

Cascadia Subduction Zone

Out past the beaches and forests of the Pacific Northwest, from Northern California all the way up through British Columbia, there’s a giant fault line lurking offshore: the Cascadia Subduction Zone.

Most days, you don’t hear much about it. But scientists keep saying the same thing: when this thing finally moves, it won’t be a minor event. We’re talking about one of the biggest earthquakes North America will ever see. The question isn’t whether it’ll happen. It’s just a matter of when. Are you and your family ready?

Here’s what’s going on. The Cascadia Subduction Zone stretches for about 700 miles. The Juan de Fuca plate continues to slide beneath the North American plate, inch by inch, year after year. All that slow grinding builds up significant pressure beneath our feet. And every 300 to 600 years, that pressure blows off in a monster earthquake, what scientists call a megathrust. The last time it happened was way back on January 26, 1700. That quake had an estimated magnitude of 9.0. We know this not just from local geology, but from tsunami records in Japan, half a world away.

When Cascadia finally slips again, the shaking will last four or five minutes. That’s forever compared to most earthquakes. Power, water, cell service, and roads could be out for weeks, maybe even longer. If you’re on the coast, the tsunami could arrive in minutes, so you’d need to move fast. But even folks inland shouldn’t relax. Expect landslides, buckled roads, and damaged buildings, not to mention the ripple effects that follow.

Yeah, it sounds scary. It is. But getting ready now makes a huge difference. Start simple: make a plan. Every family member should know what to do, where to meet, and how to get through those first hours and days. Identify the safest spots in your house. Under a sturdy table is usually a good place to be, and practice “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.” If you live near the coast, know your tsunami evacuation route and walk it a few times. Don’t expect to think clearly in the chaos. Let muscle memory take over.

Next, put together an emergency kit that’ll last you at least a week, ideally two. Stock up on water (a gallon per person per day), food that doesn’t spoil, a flashlight and batteries, first aid supplies, any meds you need, sturdy shoes, copies of your important documents, and some cash. Forgetting cash is surprisingly common; cards and ATMs might not work when you need them most. If you have pets, remember their food and gear as well.

Look around your home. Secure your heavy furniture to prevent tipping. Strap down the water heater. Move breakable stuff to lower shelves. If you live in an older house, consider a seismic retrofit; it’s not cheap, but it can save significant headaches and expense later.

Most importantly, talk about all this. Earthquake prep isn’t about scaring yourself or your kids. It’s about feeling ready and in control. Kids especially pick up on your mood, so keep it calm and practical. The goal is to help everyone feel empowered, not anxious. The Cascadia quake is coming sooner or later. That’s out of our hands. But being prepared, that’s on us. The families who plan ahead aren’t just more likely to make it through; they’ll come out stronger on the other side.

Stay Vigilant and Be Prepared

You play a critical role in your preparedness. By preparing yourself for the unexpected, you will become more self-reliant and a valuable asset to your community.

Stop The Bleed

Stop The Bleed

The “Stop the Bleed” course is designed to teach individuals how to respond to bleeding emergencies effectively. It’s a crucial skill set for both everyday situations and emergencies, helping to control severe bleeding until professional medical help arrives. Here’s an overview of what you can expect from the course:

Course Objectives:

Recognize Bleeding:

  • Understand the types of bleeding (arterial, venous, capillary) and how to identify severe bleeding.

    Control Bleeding:

  • Apply Direct Pressure: Learn how to use cloths or bandages to apply pressure directly to the wound.
  • Use Tourniquets: Understand when and how to apply a tourniquet to control severe arterial bleeding from limbs.
  • Pack Wounds: For severe bleeding that doesn’t respond to direct pressure, learn how to pack the wound with gauze to control bleeding.

    Manage Shock:

  • Recognize signs of shock (e.g., pale skin, rapid pulse) and learn how to manage it by keeping the person calm and comfortable, and elevating their legs if possible.

    Hands-On Practice:

  • Practice techniques using realistic scenarios and mannequins to gain confidence and skill in controlling bleeding.

Course Content:

Introduction to Bleeding:

    • Overview of anatomy related to bleeding.
    • Discussion on how bleeding can be life-threatening.

First Aid Techniques:

    • Detailed instructions on how to apply direct pressure, use tourniquets, and pack wounds.
    • Demonstration of proper techniques and tools.

Scenario Practice:

    • Hands-on practice with simulations to apply learned skills in a controlled environment.

Review and Certification:

    • Recap of key points and techniques.
    • Certification or acknowledgement of participation (if applicable).

How to Take the Course:

Prepare for the Course:

    • Wear comfortable clothing and be prepared to participate in hands-on activities.

Utilize Resources:

    • After completing the course, review the materials provided and practice techniques regularly to keep your skills sharp.

Importance:

Save Lives:

    • Effective bleeding control can be the difference between life and death in emergencies.

Boost Confidence:

    • Knowing what to do in a bleeding emergency helps you act quickly and calmly.

Community Impact:

    • Being trained empowers you to assist others in need, potentially saving lives in critical situations.

The “Stop the Bleed” course is an invaluable skill set that equips you to handle severe bleeding emergencies effectively and confidently.

This course is two hours in length. All students will receive a certificate of completion upon completing the course. The class is taught by an experienced instructor in CPR/AED, First Aid, and Advanced Bleeding Control. Parking is free. Class Minimum: 4 students

Cancellation & Reschedule Policy:

NO REFUND if you cancel with less than 7 days’ notice
*Cancellations received at least 7 days before class may request a refund minus a $5 processing fee or receive full credit to another class.
*Cancellations received less than 7 days but at least 24 hours before class can be rescheduled with a $10 rescheduling fee. One reschedule is allowed, and your rescheduled class must take place within 90 days of the original class date.
*Cancellations received less than 24 hours before class and “no shows” will not be issued a refund.

Wilderness First Responder Recertification – Hybrid

Wilderness First Responder

Our Hybrid Wilderness First Responder Recertification Course allows you to study the classroom material at your own pace, followed by a 1-day hands-on skill session.

Course Overview

Wilderness First Responder: Remote and Austere environments create special situations not usually encountered in urban or suburban settings. With this class, first responders in remote outdoor or austere settings will be better prepared to provide advanced first aid when faced with limited resources, longer time to care for someone, and decisions about when and how quickly to evacuate an ill or injured person.

ELIGIBILITY: Any WFR or W-EMT certificate that is current or expired no more than one year ago.

Wilderness First Responder Recertification Course Includes

Information-filled slide and video presentations covering wilderness and remote first responder training, developing an advanced understanding of emergency response in an outdoor setting, including specific techniques and considerations for various injuries and illnesses.

Class topics include

  • Preparation and Assessment
  • Preventing and Caring for Injuries and Illnesses
  • Environmental Hazards
  • Other Considerations

This hybrid course combines 8 hours of self-paced online training with 1 day of in-person scenarios and hands-on skills practice led by a Survival Med-certified instructor.

Includes a two-year Wilderness First Responder Recertification that meets the requirements for Boy Scouts/Scouting USA’s high-adventure bases, including Philmont, NICA, the National Park Service, and many more.

Prerequisite: Any WFR or W-EMT certificate that is current or expired no more than one year ago.

Stop The Bleed

Stop The Bleed

The “Stop the Bleed” course is designed to teach individuals how to respond to bleeding emergencies effectively. It’s a crucial skill set for both everyday situations and emergencies, helping to control severe bleeding until professional medical help arrives. Here’s an overview of what you can expect from the course:

Course Objectives:

Recognize Bleeding:

  • Understand the types of bleeding (arterial, venous, capillary) and how to identify severe bleeding.

    Control Bleeding:

  • Apply Direct Pressure: Learn how to use cloths or bandages to apply pressure directly to the wound.
  • Use Tourniquets: Understand when and how to apply a tourniquet to control severe arterial bleeding from limbs.
  • Pack Wounds: For severe bleeding that doesn’t respond to direct pressure, learn how to pack the wound with gauze to control bleeding.

    Manage Shock:

  • Recognize signs of shock (e.g., pale skin, rapid pulse) and learn how to manage it by keeping the person calm and comfortable, and elevating their legs if possible.

    Hands-On Practice:

  • Practice techniques using realistic scenarios and mannequins to gain confidence and skill in controlling bleeding.

Course Content:

Introduction to Bleeding:

    • Overview of anatomy related to bleeding.
    • Discussion on how bleeding can be life-threatening.

First Aid Techniques:

    • Detailed instructions on how to apply direct pressure, use tourniquets, and pack wounds.
    • Demonstration of proper techniques and tools.

Scenario Practice:

    • Hands-on practice with simulations to apply learned skills in a controlled environment.

Review and Certification:

    • Recap of key points and techniques.
    • Certification or acknowledgement of participation (if applicable).

How to Take the Course:

Prepare for the Course:

    • Wear comfortable clothing and be prepared to participate in hands-on activities.

Utilize Resources:

    • After completing the course, review the materials provided and practice techniques regularly to keep your skills sharp.

Importance:

Save Lives:

    • Effective bleeding control can be the difference between life and death in emergencies.

Boost Confidence:

    • Knowing what to do in a bleeding emergency helps you act quickly and calmly.

Community Impact:

    • Being trained empowers you to assist others in need, potentially saving lives in critical situations.

The “Stop the Bleed” course is an invaluable skill set that equips you to handle severe bleeding emergencies effectively and confidently.

This course is two hours in length. All students will receive a certificate of completion upon completing the course. The class is taught by an experienced instructor in CPR/AED, First Aid, and Advanced Bleeding Control. Parking is free. Class Minimum: 4 students

Cancellation & Reschedule Policy:

NO REFUND if you cancel with less than 7 days’ notice
*Cancellations received at least 7 days before class may request a refund minus a $5 processing fee or receive full credit to another class.
*Cancellations received less than 7 days but at least 24 hours before class can be rescheduled with a $10 rescheduling fee. One reschedule is allowed, and your rescheduled class must take place within 90 days of the original class date.
*Cancellations received less than 24 hours before class and “no shows” will not be issued a refund.

Stop The Bleed

Stop The Bleed

The “Stop the Bleed” course is designed to teach individuals how to respond to bleeding emergencies effectively. It’s a crucial skill set for both everyday situations and emergencies, helping to control severe bleeding until professional medical help arrives. Here’s an overview of what you can expect from the course:

Course Objectives:

Recognize Bleeding:

  • Understand the types of bleeding (arterial, venous, capillary) and how to identify severe bleeding.

    Control Bleeding:

  • Apply Direct Pressure: Learn how to use cloths or bandages to apply pressure directly to the wound.
  • Use Tourniquets: Understand when and how to apply a tourniquet to control severe arterial bleeding from limbs.
  • Pack Wounds: For severe bleeding that doesn’t respond to direct pressure, learn how to pack the wound with gauze to control bleeding.

    Manage Shock:

  • Recognize signs of shock (e.g., pale skin, rapid pulse) and learn how to manage it by keeping the person calm and comfortable, and elevating their legs if possible.

    Hands-On Practice:

  • Practice techniques using realistic scenarios and mannequins to gain confidence and skill in controlling bleeding.

Course Content:

Introduction to Bleeding:

    • Overview of anatomy related to bleeding.
    • Discussion on how bleeding can be life-threatening.

First Aid Techniques:

    • Detailed instructions on how to apply direct pressure, use tourniquets, and pack wounds.
    • Demonstration of proper techniques and tools.

Scenario Practice:

    • Hands-on practice with simulations to apply learned skills in a controlled environment.

Review and Certification:

    • Recap of key points and techniques.
    • Certification or acknowledgement of participation (if applicable).

How to Take the Course:

Prepare for the Course:

    • Wear comfortable clothing and be prepared to participate in hands-on activities.

Utilize Resources:

    • After completing the course, review the materials provided and practice techniques regularly to keep your skills sharp.

Importance:

Save Lives:

    • Effective bleeding control can be the difference between life and death in emergencies.

Boost Confidence:

    • Knowing what to do in a bleeding emergency helps you act quickly and calmly.

Community Impact:

    • Being trained empowers you to assist others in need, potentially saving lives in critical situations.

The “Stop the Bleed” course is an invaluable skill set that equips you to handle severe bleeding emergencies effectively and confidently.

This course is two hours in length. All students will receive a certificate of completion upon completing the course. The class is taught by an experienced instructor in CPR/AED, First Aid, and Advanced Bleeding Control. Parking is free. Class Minimum: 4 students

Cancellation & Reschedule Policy:

NO REFUND if you cancel with less than 7 days’ notice
*Cancellations received at least 7 days before class may request a refund minus a $5 processing fee or receive full credit to another class.
*Cancellations received less than 7 days but at least 24 hours before class can be rescheduled with a $10 rescheduling fee. One reschedule is allowed, and your rescheduled class must take place within 90 days of the original class date.
*Cancellations received less than 24 hours before class and “no shows” will not be issued a refund.

Posted on

SHTF – It Won’t Be Like You See In The Movies!

SHTF - It Wont Be Like You See In The Movies

We often use SHTF (Shit Hits The Fan) to describe a major collapse: economic meltdown, natural disaster, pandemic, or societal breakdown. The movies turn these into adrenaline-filled sensations: zombie hordes, lone heroes fighting marauders, or instant chaos with epic battles. Truth hits differently. Genuine SHTF scenarios drag on with boredom, bureaucracy, and quiet desperation. Survivors from hurricanes, economic crises, and blackouts reveal a far less glamorous truth: endurance tests of patience, community, and basic needs.

Movies show you constant threats, immediate violence, and courageous stands. Actual disasters unfold slowly. Hurricane survivors described days of waiting on rooftops for rescue, not fighting off invaders. One survivor shared the terror of rising water and isolation, followed by weeks of mud cleanup and supply shortages. No dramatic chases; just endless lines for water, food, and ice.

Empty store shelves become the nightmare, not bandit raids.

We debunk the “lone wolf” myth. Movies celebrate solo survival, but real accounts underscore community, neighbors sharing generators, food, and labor.

After storms, communities organize cleanups and aid distribution. Seclusion kills faster than threats; mental strain from loss, uncertainty, and monotony dominates. Survivors report depression, guilt over surviving while others suffer, and the endless grind of rebuilding without power or clean water.

Violence? Infrequent compared to movies. Most danger comes from lack of clean water, disease, poor sanitation, or accidents. In prolonged crises like Venezuela’s economic collapse, hyperinflation, and shortages, malnutrition and emigration resulted, not widespread looting. We warn against imagining “bugging out” with arsenals. Facts demand that we have access to sustainable food, clean water, and medical care.

The biggest shock: tedium.

Days blend into one another, waiting for help, power restoration, or supply trucks. No epic soundtracks; just insects, heat, thirst, hunger, and worry.

Smart preparedness focuses on reality: stockpile basics for at least 2 weeks, build local networks, and learn skills such as animal husbandry, gardening, and advanced first aid. Mental resilience matters most; practice stress management now.

SHTF won’t deliver movie thrills. It will test your patience, relationships, and resourcefulness in quiet, grinding ways. Prepare for the mundane marathon, not the action movie.

Stay Vigilant and Be Prepared

You play a critical role in your preparedness. By preparing yourself for the unexpected, you will become more self-reliant and a valuable asset to your community.

Posted on

Wilderness First Aid, Just For Help In The Wilderness?

Wilderness First Aid

Wilderness First Aid isn’t just for remote adventures. It’s a skill set that helps anytime you can’t get help right away.

The risks you face at home, at work, or on the road aren’t all that different from what you’d find on a trail. The real game-changer is how long it takes for help to arrive. When you’re on your own, what you do next really counts.

So, when does wilderness first aid matter?

Anytime you’re stuck waiting for help, and supplies run low. Or when you realize you’ll need to handle an injury much longer than you’d like.

Picture it: A snowstorm blocks the roads. The power goes out, and you can’t call anyone. Your car breaks down miles from anywhere. Ever found yourself in a spot like that?

The key is to shift your thinking. You’re not just waiting for someone to rescue you—you’re in charge of the problem. That means you’re keeping someone stable, stopping minor issues from turning into big ones, and making decisions when things get stressful. And this way of thinking works just as well in your living room as it does in the woods.

First things first: control the scene. Don’t just rush in. Take a breath. Look around for anything dangerous. Only move if you have to. Let’s say someone slips in the garage and there’s fuel spilled everywhere. You clear out the danger before you help. You have to protect yourself first, or you’re no good to anyone else.

Now, zero in on what matters most: bleeding, breathing, and consciousness. Is someone losing blood fast? Are they breathing? Are they awake? These checks take just a few seconds, but they steer everything you do next.

You don’t need fancy gear. Clean towels can stop bleeding. Tape can hold a splint in place. A jacket keeps someone warm. Maybe you use a towel to press on a cut or a hiking pole to stabilize an ankle. You make do with what you’ve got.

Keep an eye on the time. Keep checking for changes. Be ready to adjust if things shift. Waiting a long time for help can make things worse—pain gets worse, people get colder, and everyone gets tired. Your job is steady care, not a quick fix.

Practice all this at home. Run through “what if” scenarios. Build a kit for your car and stash supplies at home. Train with your family. Ask yourself: Could you handle an injury overnight? Do you know where your stuff is?

Wilderness first aid is really about being ready, not about where you are. If you can adapt, pay attention, and act with purpose, you’re already putting it to use.

Stay Vigilant and Be Prepared

You play a critical role in your preparedness. By preparing yourself for the unexpected, you will become more self-reliant and a valuable asset to your community.

On-Demand 1:1 & Private Group Wilderness First Aid Certification

NW Survival training in the wilderness

One-on-one or small group Wilderness First Aid training is now available!

If you’re on an urgent timeline, live in an area without regularly scheduled classes, want to train with your group for an upcoming trip, or prefer personalized instruction, this option is for you.

Earn the same trusted WFA certification every Survival Med student gets – on your schedule.

The hybrid format starts with 8 hours of self-paced online study, followed by an 8-hour in-person session with your local instructor to practice scenarios, hands-on skills and more.

One-on-one or small group Wilderness First Aid training is now available!

How it Works

  • Message your instructor with your/your group’s specific needs & location
  • Coordinate the time, date, and location with your instructor
  • Confirm your price
  • Complete the self-paced online course
  • Complete the 8-hour in-person skills assessment
  • Receive personalized instruction and real-time feedback
  • Get your Wilderness First Aid certificate!

    Survival Med Exclusives

  • Free bonus webinars every month, in addition to your certification course
  • Free downloadable textbooks

    Prerequisites:

CPR/AED/First Aid Certification

Wilderness First Aid Information Request
Name

×