The Outdoor Skills Institute

Outdoor Skills & Wilderness Medical Training

The Outdoor Skills Institute at ONSC is a newly-launched group of program offerings in wilderness medicine, safety, preparedness and outdoor skills designed to complement the Ozark Natural Science Center mission: to enhance the understanding, appreciation and stewardship of the Ozark natural environment. Courses are offered in partnership with Ozark Safety & Rescue Educators (www.ozarksar.com) and include all related meals, lodging and materials.

Read the Outdoor Skills Institute Launch Press Release .

See a complete list of 2012 OSI courses below or access 2012 OSI Courses At-A-Glance (PDF).

Access Detailed OSI Course Information & Registration Form (PDF).

Learn more and register for the upcoming Women’s Outdoor Skills Weekend (PDF).

The Outdoor Skills Institute at ONSC: 2012 Courses

CPR & Basic Wilderness First Aid (10 hours) – $120

May 12 ● September 8

An introductory course to provide basic skills in CPR and outdoor first aid. From parents and grandparents who spend time in the outdoors with kids to individual outdoor enthusiasts including day hikers, mountain bikers, ATV riders, hunters and paddlers, the course is appropriate for anyone wishing to improve their preparedness and ability to calmly respond to an unexpected event. Refreshments, lunch, course materials and certification are included in this course, held at the Center for Nonprofits in Rogers.

Standard Wilderness First Aid (24 hours)- $225

March 19 – 21 ● June 8 – 10 ● August 28 – 30

Immerses participants in basic wilderness medicine procedures, preparing individuals to take immediate action when an outdoor adventure doesn’t go as planned and 911 responders are hours away. Includes interactive classroom sessions and hands-on field scenarios to prepare participants and quickly develop basic backcountry medical care skills. The course focuses on patient assessment, stabilization and emergency treatment of issues such as hypothermia and snakebites, as well as understanding when and how to attempt evacuation. Participants will emerge capable of calmly responding to a wide variety of emergency scenarios.

Swiftwater Rescue (32 hours)- $250

April/May Date TBD

For casual to advanced paddlers and others whose professional activities or hobbies place them in scenarios where preparedness is essential to deal with fast-moving water and the unique safety challenges it presents. Rescue swimming is part of this course, as well as scenarios and fast, improvisational solutions which can be utilized when an issue arises around flowing water.

Women’s Outdoor Skills Weekend $250

November 16 – 18

Please find detailed information on this interesting, relevant and fun skills training weekend for women as well as a registration form here.

Advanced Wilderness First Aid (40 hours)- $450

November 29 – December 2

Building upon the basic frameworks of basic and standard courses (which are helpful but not prerequisites), this course includes advanced preparation in risk assessment, altitude illness, long-term wound care, improvisational methods, survival considerations and many more diverse scenarios. This course is particularly strong for group leaders, expedition participants, search and rescue personnel and outdoor enthusiasts wishing to hone their preparedness skills. Parents, scout leaders and outdoor educators will also benefit from this course. Field exercises enhance critical judgement skills for solid decision making when it really counts.

Wilderness First Responder (100 hours)- $750

August 5 – 12 ● December 13 – 20

An intensive course for outdoor professionals including rangers, guides, outdoor educators and search and rescue personnel and popular with backpackers, cavers, paddlers and individuals who live or work in remote areas. Instructors possess years of hands-on professional medical and rescue experience and teach skills to manage complex medical challenges in the backcountry. The course is mentally and physically challenging and focuses on trauma as well as long-term management of sickness and serious health problems when quick evacuation and outside help are not available. A blend of hands-on medical training, lecture, discussion and field scenarios makes an unmatched learning experience. Wilderness First Aid is encouraged prior to enrollment.

For more information on all OSI courses, contact:

Tom Burroughs, Chief OSI Instructor/Ozark Safety & Rescue Educators: OSI@onsc.us

Beth Stephens, ONSC Executive Director: beth@onsc.us

Rob Seal, ONSC Program Manager: rob@onsc.us

Please submit all registration materials to Sonja Rodden, Office Manager: sonja@onsc.us