May 2001 Editorial -
[Cached Version]
Published on: 5/1/2001
Last Visited: 7/22/2001
Ben Woodard , executive director for Wilderness Medical Associates , says backcountry medical programs have evolved from the requirements of other industries : raft companies , government agencies , Outward Bound programs and college based outdoor programs.Nowadays , some type of first-aid certification is expected by almost any outdoor group , and that puts outdoor retailers in a unique position.
At the retail level , these people are buying high-end gear , medical kits and such , and the associated training is seen much like an equipment purchase.Buying gear and learning how to use it properly has gotten more attention , says Woodard.
WMA is starting to see more retailers running first-aid demos , he says.His instructors lead about 300 courses per year , though most are still held for raft companies and outfitters.For retailers , these courses are a service , like avalanche safety courses.The outdoor user is getting more savvy and wants that value-added service..
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