Learning activities

A briefing and introduction scenario was carried out on Thursday evening.  On Friday and Saturday participants were divided into groups for simulated emergency scenarios.  Groups alternated between these scenarios, prior to joining together again for evening debriefing and feedback sessions.

Learning objectives

By the end of this event, participants should be able to:

• Assess and prioritise patients and injuries according to medical urgency using a structured approach.
• Manage emergency problems in a wilderness environment and generalise this to patients in other clinical situations.
• Understand the specific problems and limitations of practising medicine in a wilderness setting including transportation and evacuation needs.
• Understand working in a team and the importance of effective communication and leadership to optimise outcomes and reduce medical error.
• Deal with stress and uncertainty that occurs in unfamiliar environments.
• Appreciate the impact medical co-morbidities may have in a wilderness environment.

For each scenario, specific management of the clinical condition should be addressed as well as all of these generic points:

• Scene safety, control, leadership and teamwork
• Recognising initial need for resuscitation and managing immediate life threats
• Appropriate supportive and specific therapy
• Care of basic needs of patient and group
• Extrication, stabilisation and transport planning

Evaluation

The Rural and Remote Retrieval Weekend onsite activities, and pre and post assessments are required to be completed to gain continuing professional development points. Evaluation forms will be requested during the debriefing and feedback session. This is to ensure ongoing event improvements for future participants.