Camp Winona is sponsoring an intensive backcountry medical training course in Bridgton on June 19 and 20. This 16-hour, hands-on Wilderness First Aid course will enable students to deal with medical emergencies when they are miles away from help and dialing 911 is not an option.

This course is recommended for all those who spend time in remote areas. Instructors will introduce students to the basic of medicine for the field whether the field is a national park or the high seas. Graduates will be certified by Wilderness Medical Associates.

Wilderness medicine differs from traditional first aid in three respects. First, transport times are measured in hours and days rather than minutes so many phases of patient care that usually take place in a hospital must be carried out in the field. Second, severe environments dramatically increase the complexity of any emergency and heighten risk to patient and rescuers alike. Third, limited equipment makes improvisation and resourcefulness essential skills.

Professional instructors from Wilderness Medical Associates, world leaders in backcountry medical training, will address these issues and more. Classes are fast-paced with an emphasis on practical skills. Mornings are devoted to lectures while afternoons and evenings are spent outside working on everything from litter construction to full-scale rescue simulation.

Call Spencer Ordway, 207/647-3721, information@winonacamps.org for location & registration information. Call WMA toll-free, 1-888-WILD-MED, or log on to www.wildmed.com for course description & future courses.