5 Job Skills I Learned by Becoming a Wilderness Medical MacGyver

One of my top resolutions for 2019 was to venture outside my comfort zone of big cities (and ski resorts) by simultaneously sharpening my outdoor skills and my leadership skills. I got an early start last week by completing NOLS' intensive 10-day Wilderness First Responder course in Texas.

It was an amazing experience where I learned hands-on about topics ranging from resetting dislocations and managing “big bleeds” to treating stomach bugs and blisters. I also learned valuable lessons about managing teams and effective communication under high-stress scenarios, which in our case was rescuing passengers from a simulated plane crash, in the dark of night, during a Texas-sized freezing rain storm.

Here were a few key takeaways that I can apply to emergencies on the backwoods or the front office:

1. Take the time to size-up situations

2. Separate what is urgent from what can be managed later

3. Collect information thoughtfully & communicate it concisely

4. Sometimes being an "active follower” is as important as leading

5. Model the calm behavior you want your team and patients (or clients) to demonstrate

I’m already planning my next adventures in the wilderness and elsewhere!