This group is highly prone to tragic events. Today, out for an innocent bird-watching exercise, three unsuspecting tourists were horribly injured when an earthquake struck. Serendipitously, 14 wilderness EMTs were prepared. Using GPS coordinates given to them from witnesses, they found the patients about a mile from basecamp. From there, they had to correct injuries that you might expect from a rock slide generated by an earthquake: head injuries, fractured femurs with significant bleeds, and holes in chests from falling debris. Unfortunately, all of the patients ended up in the river, so our students had to move them over slippery, uneven terrain before serious care could begin. Once on shore, groups began the difficult work of long-term care. As nothing happens easily here, the quake struck later in the afternoon, precluding an easy or early evacuation. This required setting up shelters and preparing for the night out.
We are now in our final official weekend in Costa Rica. From here out, things change rapidly. Four more Aerie staff arrive this week. Dr. Moore, our Medical Director, and Fred Westering, a PA in Missoula, will be here to lead the medical clinic that occurs at the end of the week. Cody Harris, owner of the Whitewater Rescue Institute, arrives to help with the clinic and then run the Swiftwater Rescue Technician course that begins on Saturday. Jillian Wheeler will arrive to help run the clinic, scenarios and the swiftwater course.
This weekend, some students are heading up la Cangrega, the tallest mountain in the area, for some sightseeing. Some are getting involved in Ranch activities like gardening. All are catching up on reading and finishing a large take-home exam.
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