Saturday, November 22, 2014

Students get bloody during Wilderness First Aid

The low down


From November 19-21 students from SIT Tibetan Studies and Five14 participated in Wilderness First Aid. This 3-day course is designed to introduce students to the basics of wilderness medicine. They learned CPR and how to help choking victims. Then moved into scenarios learning to deal with back and head injuries, compound fractures and lacerations. The course utilizes hands on practice and scenarios to help students prepare for real emergencies. The scenarios were a blast!  The next one is schedule for March! Dates will be posted later.


"Victims of a yak stampede"
First Aider stabilizes patient
Participants learned a variety of splinting techniques
The importance of spinal care is emphasized
During the "chunckcheck" first aiders discover a lower leg injury

Participants use a sam splint as an improvised C-collar


All better after the splint is completed


Spine injured patient is tied into a litter for evacuation





During the WFA course I.O. staff member Chanit takes time to teach about outdoor ethics using the Leave No Trace model. Initiative Outdoor emphasizes the importance of minimizing human impact on all courses.  To learn more about LNT please contact us.




Thanks for reading! 

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

WRT COURSES SCHEDULED

Initiative Outdoor conducting White Water Rescue Courses



 

Three whitewater rescue technician courses will run December 2014. 

WRT Course 1:
Location:  Trisuli River Nepal 
Dates:      2/12/14-4/12/14

WRT Course 2:
Location:  Seti River Nepal 
Dates:      6/12/14-8/12/14

WRT Course 3:
Location:  Balifi River Nepal 
Dates:      10/12/14-12/12/14

This course is designed specifically for professional guides, private boaters, park service personnel, and others who work or play around moving water. You will learn to use techniques and simple equipment to assess and perform river rescues. Presented in a three-day format, this course focuses on realistic problems that you may face. The emphasis is on fast, low-tech and improvised rescue techniques that are effective and require minimal equipment. You will be taught to understand whitewater dynamics, handle swiftwater hazards and obstacles, effectively use throwbags, control in-water contact rescues, set up simple rope systems, successfully extricate pinned/wrapped boats, utilize basic rescue equipment and much more. The course builds the necessary skill and confidence for you to perform safe and effective rescues.

School and College Courses

Kathmandu colleges enjoyed Initiative Outdoor courses 

During the Monsoon

Malpi International School joined Initiative Outdoor for two weeks on camping. The courses for grades 4 and 5 ran for five days each and students learned about the environment, camping, composting, and rock climbing. It was a true monsoon experience.  

Grade 4-Enjoying the beautiful monsoon weather

A special worm habitat is explored by gloved hands as students pick through the compost.
Students learn knots for climbing



During the Fall


OCCED Nepal participated in a one-day raft course. Students learned to set up raft shelters, went swimming and enjoyed the good life on the Trisuli River.

Here what Anne had to say!

"Back last night from a really successful and thoroughly enjoyable white water rafting/camping trip and that was just me. The children had a fabulous time, helped with getting the rafts blown up, and most of them had the chance to paddle and direct the rafts. They had the chance to jump into the river in the calm waters and try swimming with their life jackets on and they were soon quite good and the crawl and back stroke. They helped with erecting the tents , preparing, meals, cooking and cleaning up. They learned so many life lessons over the past 2 days as well as pure enjoyment of their natural world. It is the most beautiful country for natural wonders with some of the highest mountains in the world and 6 of the best white water rivers in the world. A huge thank you to Chandra Ale and his staff at Initiative Outdoors for organizing it for me !!"

Participants ready to go!

During the Winter

Gyanodaya International Residential College participated in a 3-day course focusing on backpacking and outdoor skills. They really enjoyed our yoga lessons in the morning! 

Learning to cook
Students take a break on the trail






Making time for quiet in the early morning



During the Spring

The British School spent two nights with Initiative Outdoor the course emphasized cooking, Leave No Trace principles, and team building activities. 

Students make their own lunches after chopping and vegetable washing lessons.

Students sit in the human chair to practice teamwork skills



As part of the environmental training students sort their garbage into three bins. Compost, trash, and Recycling. 



 For more information on our University Programs check out our next post!  

What in the Initiative Outdoor World



Where has Initiative Outdoor been the last two years?

Certainly not blogging. Allow us to brief you.  


The BOULDERING WALL

In the bouldering office I.O. has undergone two new looks.

  One look used sand for grip.           The other is updated and flashy.
Sandy
Styling

The STAFF

We continued to train new staff and bring interns from abroad. 


The TRIPS


Family Trekking



   
Rock climbing
Over the last two years we have run a variety of  commercial trips.  We used the trips as an opportunity to train new guides.

Bouldering
      
Rafting
Camping
Abseiling
Cycling





Kayaking


Stay tuned to learn about our school courses!