The first aid course that is a core component to the training of new patrollers is also the course of choice for forest service staff, highway patrols and rescue workers throughout the United States. The OEC course is open to anyone that wants first aid training that is enhanced to address the special circumstances of higher altitudes, cold environments, and facing long or difficult transportation challenges to reach advanced medical care facilities.
Courses are offered twice a year and involve approximately 120 hours of combined classroom and hands-on field experience.
Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) is a sequenced, competency-based educational program with detailed, specific knowledge and skill objectives tailored for the winter environment and other outdoor environments. Emphasizes field application of outdoor emergency care knowledge, techniques, equipment, and special transportation considerations mandated by the environment. Course requires completion of 23 comensive lessons with skill and scenario application, study book exercises, demonstrated skill performances, a final written examination, and successful demonstration of application ability in several final scenarios. Challenge students are required to demonstrate all skill performances and complete the same final written exam and the practical scenario evaluation as the course students. VHS videos are designed to present realistic accident encounters to stimulate the viewer's interest and knowledge retention.
| Course prerequisite: |
None |
| Course time commitment: |
No hour requirements. A typical class will need 80 to 100 hours to master the objectives. |
| Challenge prerequisite: |
Current certification or license in medicine or EMS (First Responder, in accordance with U.S. DOT through physician license). |
| Challenge time commitment: |
Total hours will vary with background, specialty, and experience. |
| Fee (course challenge): |
Member- $15, Associate/Affiliate- $30, Non-member- $300, Division- $10, Local- optional, for course supplies only |
| Instructor of record: |
OEC instructors |
| Credential: |
Education Certificate; OEC card (valid for 3 years) |
| Continuing education requirements: |
Annual OEC refresher consisting of 1/3 of total curriculum and skill competency verification. |
| Required texts: |
Outdoor Emergency Care
WEC Study Book |