Remote First Aid Training for KJ Rangers
During the 5-day camp at White Gums, over 100 Martu from Jigalong, Punmu, Parnngurr, and Kunawarritji communities participated in Remote First Aid training. The training was led by Neil and Sharon Ritchie from Wilderness First Aid Australia, who provided a realistic and practical simulation of a chaotic and traumatic situation.
The trainers staged various scenarios including a car accident on a remote dirt road. Using special effects makeup, they transformed six staff members into patients with life-threatening injuries. The intention was to create an intense experience with vast amounts of blood, bone, and screams.
Neil and Sharon led the rangers through the silent scene, allowing time to process and take note of the patients' positions and injuries before providing them with first aid kits. After everyone completed the walkthrough, Neil called out to the staff to add noise to simulate the accident, including music, horns and screams. The staged accident scenario tested the Rangers' abilities and knowledge in a high-pressure situation, and they rose to the challenge by jumping into action and performing first aid. The Rangers quickly addressed injuries, removed patients from the area, and placed them into recovery positions. Many Martu utilized their first aid knowledge from prior training. They understood they needed to assess the area for danger, such as power and running engines.
The staged situation tested each individual and assessed their performance. Neil examined the first aid applied to each patient, discussing where the responding rangers had made the right decisions and providing additional tips and techniques.
The training provided an excellent example of realistic and practical individual training. It was an intense and memorable experience that left rangers feeling more confident in their ability to handle real-life situations.
📷: Sharon prepares Martu Support Officer James with special effects makeup; a scenario of a car accident on a remote dirt road; Community and Field Coordinator Kieran gets "injured" during the collision; Martu Support Coordinator Kate lays "injured" under the back tyre; Parnngurr Rangers applying their first aid skills to Kate's "injuries"; Cassandra safely moves Community and Field Officer Kate away from the accident; Jamie, Clifton and Angus carry Mark to a safe area; Neil from Wilderness First Aid Australia talks the KJ Rangers through the "injuries" of General Manager Peter; Neil applies first aid to a "snake bite"; Neil demonstrates using sling and swathe with Punmu Rangers Neil and CJ; Elder Muuki having a good time playing the patient as together with Kiarah, Jamie, Chloe and Adrian they practise applying slings and swathes; Neil shows the group CPR; Neil and Sharon with KJ Rangers.
