Wilderness Survival and First Aid Course (CANCELLED DUE TO LOW ENROLLMENT)

Saturday (Theory portion)

8 hours of theoretical learning indoors:

· Intro & teaching methodology 5 pillars of outdoor skill & preparation Risk assessment & proactive mindset Framework of wilderness survival & crisis response behavior Basics of remote environment first aid & injury management Equipment selection & considerations Case studies

Sunday (Practical portion)

8 hours of practical outdoor learning

· Survival kit demo Setting up a PFD as an emergency kit for canoeing Setting up a chest rig as emergency kit for hiking Improvisation skills with limited resources.

Pocket gear selection & hands on use Wildlife encounter management & protection campsite selection, Fire, First aid, tarp shelter, edge tool, water, etc. demo's

Sunday’s practical (portion will be held rain or shine)

Participants are required to bring their own daypack with lunch, snacks and any personal items, raingear, water, fix blade knife, magnesium rod, notebook and pen/pencil. Items will be further discussed on Saturday during the theory day, held indoors at the Minden community center.

Cost: $199/person INCLUDES HST

Any WCA member interested in participating in this highly anticipated course will need to enroll via the WCA website first and then pay Peter Desmet directly before being able to participate in the course.

About our Instructor Peter Desmet

Peter grew up in Belgium and moved to Canada in 2011, where he became a Park Warden, working in the interior of Algonquin Provincial Park. He worked as a hunting guide and a team leader. He then started operating his own outdoor education school.

Having a keen interest in outdoor adventure from a young age, he attended numerous courses and programs both in Europe and Canada, allowing him to safely hike, climb, canoe and undertake four season adventures into wild places. His hunger for knowledge led him to become a certified Survival Instructor, First Aid Instructor, and Wilderness Skills Educator. Peter is a life-long learner and enthusiastically shares his know-how in courses, articles and youth programs. He will forever be a student of nature.

Special Guest Presenter Dr. Anthony Galea:

Dr. Galea will be attending the program and offering a special presentation on wilderness medical intervention. An outdoor enthusiast, Dr. Galea is a sports medicine specialist with over 40 years experience as a physician. Among his many accomplishments he has been an Olympic team physician and lead team doctor for the Toronto Argonauts.