Oregon Trail Chapter Latest News

PORTLAND, Ore. – (June 5, 2008) Oregon is known for its natural beauty; soaring mountains, rushing rivers and sandy coastlines. But that beauty can turn deadly if you ever find yourself stranded in the wild.

To make sure Oregonians are never caught unprepared, the Oregon Trail Chapter of the American Red Cross is offering a Wilderness First Aid Basics course, taught over the course of two Saturdays – June 21 and 28 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This 16-hour backcountry emergency response class is designed for situations when professional medical assistance is not readily available.

Attendees will learn advanced first aid techniques, including the steps that should be taken in a delayed response situation. This might involve a delay in the call for assistance, the time required to get to the patient, or moving the patient for more advanced treatment. The class will also look at different causes of injuries in the wilderness and how to prevent them, as well as how to prepare before going into the backcountry.

Hiker, backpacker, kayaker or forest ranger, this course is a perfect choice for anyone who spends time in remote areas. It is also appropriate for Boy Scouts, though a minimum age of 15 is recommended due to the serious nature of the scenarios.

The cost of the course is $195 for both days. For more information or to sign up for Wilderness First Aid Basics, call 503-280-1440 or visit www.redcross-pdx.org .

The Oregon Trail Chapter of the American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disaster every 36 hours; provides 97 percent of Oregon's blood supply; teaches thousands of Oregonians lifesaving skills; provides transportation to seniors and the disabled; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization – not a government agency – and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross-pdx.org or join the conversation on our blog at www.redcrosspdx.blogspot.com.

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American Red Cross, Oregon Trail volunteers respond to house fires every 32 hours on average.
To assist the Red Cross in providing disaster relief, please call (503) 528-5634.
To prepare yourself and your family for fire or other disasters, go to www.redcross-pdx.org