09.29.23 – 10.01.23
ACA Swiftwater Rescue Conference
Summit Bechtel Reserve, Jack Furst Drive, Glen Jean, WV, USA
ACA 2023 Swiftwater Rescue Conference
After a 5-year hiatus, the ACA Swiftwater Rescue Conference is returning! This year’s event will be held at The Summit Bechtel Reserve in Glen Jean, WV, from September 29th to October 1st. Presenters will include Charlie Walbridge, Sam Fowlkes, Mike Mather, Julie Munger, Tom Burroughs, Robin Pope, and a host of other amazing safety and rescue professionals. Attendees will have a chance to learn and practice the latest advances in swiftwater rescue, while refreshing core knowledge. ACA Instructor updates will also be available.
Each conference registration includes:
- 4 half-day on-water sessions
- Shuttle from the meeting site to and from river sites
- 2 evening on-land sessions
- Opportunities to meet with nationally and internationally recognized swiftwater rescue experts
- 3 lunches, 2 breakfasts, and 2 dinners
Cost:
- $425 for ACA members
- $465 for non-ACA members; non-member registration includes a one-year ACA membership
Lodging is NOT included in this event registration. Use this link to book lodging, and use code ACA2023 for a discount!
New for 2023!
Wilderness Life Support for Medical Providers Track: Regular Conference Registration +$300
WLS:MP (previously AWLS) is designed for medical professionals of all levels (MD, EMT, PA, NP, RN, etc.) that have an interest in expanding their knowledge of wilderness medicine pathology and enhancing their practical skills in a wilderness environment. WLS:MP courses are designed for all types of outdoor enthusiasts, from the casual day hike to the extended expedition. The course will focus on the river environment with realistic river based scenarios.
During this in-person course, students will learn the latest wilderness medicine skills for patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and evacuation. Our expert instructors employ a wide scope of teaching methods, balancing online didactic lectures with practical, hands-on skills and scenarios. Emphasis is placed not just on the materials learned, but the critical decision making skills surrounding effective backcountry medical management. Upon course completion, participants will be eligible for up to 21.5 hours of Category 1 CME and Wilderness Medical Society Fellowship (FAWM) credit.
Curriculum: The materials below above are covered via online (approximately 12 hours of pre-course videos to watch) and in person didactic lecture, small group discussion, practical skills sessions, and live scenarios. Each topic will describe pathology, treatment, prevention, and provide evacuation guidelines necessary for high quality patient care. This curriculum is continually reviewed for best practice and the most up to date guidelines. The WLS:MP curriculum consists of:
- Patient Assessment
- Trauma
- Medical Problems
- Infectious Disease
- Head, Ear, Eye, Nose, Throat, Skin
- Animal & Insect Bites
- Musculoskeletal injuries
- Wound management
- Water treatment
- Hyperthermia
- Hypothermia & frostbite
- Medical kits
- Lightning
- Altitude Illness: AMS/HAPE/HACE
- Dive Medicine
Contact Information Tom Burroughs
swiftwaterrescue@gmail.com