Follow Our Trip To Canada's James Bay
Scott & Deanna are on their way to instruct for the Moose Cree First Nation On James Bay. Feel free to watch their progress and their adventure around Northern Ontario
via their Spot Satellite Messenger Page…
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HWTI Provides Second Wilderness Survival Course For Fleming College Students
The Highlands Wilderness Training Institute had the pleasure of training a second group of students from Fleming College’s Outdoor Adventure Program this past Thursday and Friday. Students from the program who often spend a great deal of time in the great outdoors were given a first hand experience in how to deal with an unexpected night in the wilderness.
The instructors went over topics such as what items can be used to build a simple and cost effective wilderness survival kit, How to help rescuers find you, how to build effect wilderness distress signals and how to light a fire under all conditions regardless of weather. Students were shown how to build a shelter effectively that will help reduce the risks of Hypothermia and then were given the opportunity to spend a night in the shelters they had built.
A great time was had by all. Great Job Gang !!!
Hypothermia Our Spring, Fall & Winter Enemy
The leaves have fallen from the trees, the clocks have changed and the days are getting even shorter still. As winter slowly slides in I can’t help but over hear the weather reports. -22’C in Edmonton, -25’C in Yellowknife, I feel somewhat blessed to be sitting here in Ontario with temperatures in the low single digits. Most outdoors people are not scared off by our current local temperatures, but most do not realize there is a silent enemy awaiting them between the bare trees and the November winds, an enemy that will strike should they let their guard down, or be unprepared. The enemy is Hypothermia.
Every year there is usually one or two stories that make the news about a hunter or wilderness adventurer that becomes stranded in the bush for a night, be it from an injury or from getting lost. The story usually ends with a report of the individual being found but suffering from the elements.
So what is this deadly condition that can sneak up on us when things go awry?
It is called Hypothermia:
Hypothermia is defined as ~ Hypothermia, a potentially fatal condition, occurs when body temperature falls below 95°F (35°C).
When someone says the word hypothermia most people conjure up an image of a mountain climber or arctic explorer who is nearly frozen solid. Although these types of incidents do happen, often the story is not as drastic. Often an average individual with good intentions finds themselves in the middle of a hypothermia scenario.
The individual is usually dressed in clothing that is light weight or made of cotton. Although the weather maybe nice by day as the evening hour’s role around and the sun sets the person will often “catch a chill”. Hard work or travel during the day has caused perspiration which in turn has made the individuals clothes damp. A light breeze or failing to insulate one’s self from the ground adequately while taking a break is all that is required to start the cooling process.
The body has a built in defence mechanism whereby it shunts blood from the extremities towards the core of the body in an attempt to protect the vital organs. The individual will start to suffer from cold hands and feet (which can cause a cascade leading to an increased risk for frostbite). As the body’s core temperature begins to slide downward the individual will begin to shiver. This is the body’s way of telling us we are not moving around enough, so it tries to move for us. When we utilize our muscles, they produce heat which helps raise our core body temperature. So... if you start shivering start moving, go for a quick jog, do some jumping jacks or in a survival situation now would be a good time to gather some fire wood.
If we ignore this warning sign or we are unable to move perhaps do to an injury our core temperature continues to drop. We actually will reach a point where we stop shivering, this is not because we have warmed up but because they body has decided that the shivering defence is not working and does not want to expend anymore energy on a method of warming that is not working.
When the shivering stops, the pilot light in our furnace has basically gone out. The body now requires heat to be put back into it from an outside source. I.e. Heat packs and or slow re-warming in a controlled environment, etc... Notice I said a slowly controlled re-warming, as rapid re-warming can cause an influx of cold blood from the extremities to rush back to the heart, this rush can bring on cardiac abnormalities such as heart arrhythmias.
Individuals will start to show the warning signs of Hypothermia, The Umbles, Mumbles and Stumbles. Their fine motor co-ordination will begin to fail (Umbles) this can complicate simple tasks such as working buttons and zippers on clothing. They will start to slur their speech and have trouble annunciating their words (Mumbles). And lastly they will often have trouble co-ordinating gross motor skills such as walking (Stumbles). It is not unusual for victims of hypothermia to act in irrational ways, for example taking all of their clothes off while claiming they feel hot, when in actuality they are freezing to death. An individual who can’t answer simple questions like what is 2+2 in a reasonable time should have the warming process started on them ASAP.
In my next post we will talk about some ways that a person can be effectively rewarmed under field conditions and what some of the predisposing factors to hypothermia are.
Class 1 From Fleming Colleges Outdoor Adventure Program Survive A Night In The Woods
Students Made it Through the night with a few tired faces come dawn. Students from Fleming College were given a firsthand experience in what to expect and what to do when a fun day in the Wilderness Goes Wrong… Topics such as hypothermia, fire building, wilderness shelter construction and how to make it through a night in the wilderness at -6’c with no sleeping bag and very little gear was covered. The students did and amazing job !!!
We hope to see you again and play safe when out on your future trips
Highlands Wilderness Institute Provides Wilderness Survival Training For Fleming College Students
The Highlands Wilderness Training Institute is proud to announce that this month we will be teaching a Theoretical & Practical based Wilderness Survival Skills Course to aprox 35 Students from Mr. Whittekers Outdoor Adventure Skills course. The Outdoor Adventure Skills Course offered at Fleming College in Lindsay is a two-semester Outdoor Adventure Skills certificate program that is designed for those who love the outdoors and want to hone their skills, to train and certify prospective adventure tourism employees, and provide specialization for tourism or recreation students. You can obtain several certifications in this one program, in one timeframe, at one location. To acquire these certifications would ordinarily require travel all across Ontario, throughout the year.
Deanna Headed For James Bay
The Highlands Wilderness Training Institute is happy to once again be working with our friends from The Moose Cree in Moossonee Ontario. Instructors for HWTI will be traveling to the Washow lodge... Where she will be teaching a custom training course for the lodges employees. Topics will include: Wilderness First Aid, WHMIS, Transportation Of Dangerous Goods & Personnel Watercraft Operators Certification
AECOM Construction Employees Receive Basic Wilderness Survival Training
HWTI hosted a Basic Wilderness Survival course for the group from AECOM. A damp and rainy day, put forth a challenge for this group, to maintain a fire, and build a rainproof shelter. Temperatures dropped in the evening, adding more challenges to them. In the end they all “Survived” and worked together using great teamwork skills to meet their challenges head on. Thanks guys!!
HWTI Provides Marine Unit & Medical Support for ESAR Police Fire EMS Adventure Race
The Highlands Wilderness Training institute provided Marine Unit Support on Bass Lake patrolling the waters while cannoers ventured around the lack to reach various water based checkpoints, in addition to providing medical support for the event. ESAR is Canada's largest adventure racing event dedicated to emergency services personnel. Each year, teams of three competing in Fire, Police, Paramedic divisions vie for ESAR supremacy by trekking, mountain biking, paddling and completing special tasks through challenging and fun racecourses that explore and showcase southern and central Ontario's best adventure terrain. Finishing is not an option, it's a duty.
Nav Canada Vancouver
The Highlands Wilderness Training Institute, as part of it’s National Training Contract with Nav Canada, recently completed a combined Custom Wilderness First Aid & Wilderness Survival Course for the employees of Nav Canada’s Vancouver Division.
During the program the participants were given 5 days of training in matters relating to Wilderness First Aid & Wilderness Survival skills as part of Nav Canada’s National Training Program. The skills provided are directly related to the on the job needs of the Engineering Department Employees, who often work in remote wilderness locations while installing Navigation Aids & Communications Equipment that is used by Aircraft Pilots & Air Traffic Controllers.
Job Well Done Guys
Seneca College To Offer Our Aircrew Survival Course Starting Fall 2011
The staff of The Highlands Wilderness Training Institute is pleased to announce that they will be partnering with the Continuing Education Department at Seneca College to offer our Aircrew Survival Course to both students enrolled in the Professional Pilot program offered by Seneca College and the General public at large. This course will be of interest to both student pilots and pilots who are already licensed but would like to learn more about survival skills. Registration for the program will be through the Registrars office at Seneca College. Those interested in more information on this program can email The Highlands Wilderness Training Institute. This course will be available in the fall of 2011. Stay tuned for more information and updates.
Nav Canada Training In Moncton New Brunswick
The Highlands Wilderness Training Institute, as part of it’s National Training Contract with Nav Canada, recently completed a combined Custom Wilderness First Aid & Wilderness Survival Course for the employees of Nav Canada’s New Brunswick & Newfoundland Division. During the program the participants were given 4 days of training in matters relating to Wilderness First Aid & Wilderness Survival skills as part of Nav Canada’s National Training Program. The skills provided are directly related to the on the job needs of the Engineering Department Employees, who often work in remote wilderness locations while installing Navigation Aids & Communications Equipment that is used by Aircraft Pilots & Air Traffic Controllers.
Job Well Done Guys and thank you for the Eastern Canada Hospitality. We Will Be Back again only with our fishing rods and rain suits next time around 
HWTI Medics Provide Medical Support At Storm The Trent
Once again the event medical support team from the Highlands Wilderness Training Institute spent the weekend supporting our favourite race director Sean from Storm Racing during the 10th Anniversary of Storm the Trent aka Canada’s Largest Multi-Sport adventure Race. As seams to be the pre-ordered norm for Rice Lake when we are there the weather was more reminiscent of a late fall day in September or early October.
While onsite the Medical Team provided support for the race by providing First Aid & Safety Boat services to those that endured the misfortune of an injury, Dehydration & Electrolyte Shortages oh and we can’t forget to mention the occasional Cold Water Swim in Rice Lake. We would like to extend our thanks to Tom Benson an Experienced ICU Nurse for joining us for the day on what is likely to be one of the adventures he remembers for a lifetime. From pulling people out of the water to helping at the checkpoints Tom was a great sport and a valuable resource. In addition we would like to thank Garret Hookey a Paramedic Student From Georgian College and current Wilderness EMT Student at The Highlands WIlderness Training Institute for his excellent boat operator skills, PS Garrett you can be a guest lecturer the next time we are talking about Hypothermia and Cold Water Immersion 
The HWTI Medical Team Will once again Be Supporting the Largest Multi-Sport Adventure Race In Canada
2011 marks the 10th anniversary year of Storm'ing the Trent, Voted for four years running by readers of Get Out There Magazine as Ontario's “favourite adventure race”, Salomon Storm the Trent is Canada's largest and most inclusive gathering of multi-sport adventurers. Three separate races are staged to provide racers with the ultimate in choice; and once again The team from The Highlands Wilderness Training Institute is proud to be working with Sean and the Storm racing team as we provide the Medical & Safety Support Team for this years race to be held on May 14&15th on Rice Lake.
For 3 years now The HWTI team has ensured that the racers have had a safe and enjoyable experience while knowing that a fully trained and equipped safety team is onsite should they need any assistance. Congratulations on your 10th Anniversary with Storm The Trent Sean. Our Team is looking forward to working with you until your next anniversary
Out Into The Wilds Survival Adventure
Under grey skies and drizzly rain, students in the most recent wilderness survival course spent the day out on the Wilderness section of the Ganaraska trail practicing skills that could one day save their lives should they ever find themselves lost or injured in the wilderness.
Guided by Sean and Scott a group of students headed out on a 5km hike into what is, some of the roughest wilderness in this part of Ontario. From water crossings to heavily wood landscapes the students were given an insight and the experience of wilderness navigation, building a wilderness shelter, constructing distress signals and learning what to do when bad things happen to good people or aka when things go wrong. We are happy to report that we came back with the same number of students we left with and all were in good spirits all be it a little damper then when they left, but hopefully better prepared to head out on more remote trips.
Deanna Conducting W-EMT Medic Work In Yellowknife
Once again The Highlands Wilderness Training Institute is working with our friends at NAC Construction by providing Medical & Safety support at their Bluefish Dam Construction site which is located in Canada’s Northwest Territories North Of Yellowknife. Access to the remote camp and worksite is via ice road in the winter and via Helicopter for the rest of the year. Deanna is onsite providing medical support for the camp. When we say our instructors have been their done that we have the stories to back it up. We head to the ends of the Earth to provide the best service we can. And yes there still is snow in Yellowknife in May
New Training Facility
It is with much anticipation that the Staff of The Highlands Wilderness Training Institute announces the opening of our new classroom facility in downtown Minden Ontario. The new facility provides the latest in technology and advanced training techniques while providing our students a relaxed and comfortable environment to conduct the theoretical portions of their courses. Free camping and wilderness practical components of our courses are still available and conducted 10 minutes away from the new facility at our wilderness camp location.
HWTI Awarded Contract To Provide National Training For NAV CANADA
Instructors from The Highlands Wilderness Training Institute have been awarded a National Contract to provide a custom wilderness training package, to the national service technicians for Canada’s Air Traffic Control system. During the delivery of this custom program instructors will be traveling from Moncton in Eastern Canada through Montreal, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Edmonton & Vancouver. If you require the delivery of a custom national training program for your staff please feel free to send us an email at wildernesstraining@gmail.com
Sub-Arctic Onsite Wilderness First Responder Course for NAC Construction
The Ops Manger for the Highlands Wilderness Training Institute has arrived home after completing an 11 day Journey to Canada s Northwest Territories to conduct a First Responder Course for NAC Construction and The Northwest Territories Power Corporation. During the course often while working in temperatures of -40‘C and lower, the employees learned to deal with medical emergencies while working in the wilderness subarctic region North of Yellowknife. The current camp will be the future home of the Bluefish Hydro Dam which is operated by The NWT Power Corporation. The Highlands Wilderness Training Institute recently conduction of the First Responder Course, HWTI’s Operations Manager and a qualified Wilderness EMT provided onsite medical coverage for the employees working on the construction site. Please feel free to take a look at the pictures from his trip in our photos page on this website. Pictures include both the journey up the Ice Road in addition to various panoramic and course photos.
Our Operations manager heads back to Yellowknife, NT
The Northwest Territories Power Corporation owns and operates Bluefish Hydro, a hydro generation facility located at the north end of Prosperous Lake at the outlet of the Yellowknife River. This facility has a generation capacity of 7.2 Megawatts and supplies power to the Yellowknife service area. Bluefish Hydro was originally developed by Nerco Con Mines. Construction began in 1940 and first power was generated in 1942. As part of that development an impoundment dam was constructed at the outlet of Bluefish Lake. The original construction of the dam was rock filled timber crib, utilizing locally harvested timbers. The normal life expectancy of a timber crib dam is approximately 40 years, however, upgrades to the dam completed in 1973, 1983 and 2007 extended the dams life beyond the normal expected period.
HWTI Instructors Join UN Search & Rescue Team
Instructors from the Highlands Wilderness Training Institute will be attending a three day International Search & Rescue Training Course to be held later this month. The course is being provided by the ERT-SAR Rescue Team which is in the process of creating a new Canadian SAR team which will have the capacity to respond Internationally & Nationally to disaster scenes should the need arise. For more information please visit ERT-SARs website at the following web addresses:
UK Website www.ert-sar.org.uk Canada Website www.ert-sar.ca
From Peru To Haliburton Then Off To Hawaii
Having traveled to such places as the amazon jungle and the mountains of peru, Anthony is no stranger to hardship in the Wilderness. Working a s professional bird surveyor in some of the most remote places on Earth, Anthony knows all about how alone you can be and how bad things can turn if things go wrong. With this in mind he decided it was time to re-certify his basic wilderness first aid. Under the watchful eye of the instructors here at HWTI Anthony, Steve & Syd spent an adventurous weekend in the forests of minden hills fine tuning their wilderness first aid skills. Great job guys and well done. We look forward to seeing you in a first responder course or wilderness navigation course when your schedules allow ..
International Search & Rescue Team Completes Winter Survival Course
Members of both the Canadian and United Kingdom teams of ERT Search and Rescue, a United Nations INSARG SAR team recently attend HWTI to participate in a winter/arctic survival training course. During the course temperatures dipped to -30’c overnight, adding to the importance of the skills and techniques they were taught. Such skills included the construction of various winter snow shelters, various methods of starting fires in arctic environments, education on Hypothermia & Frostbite as well as the Psychology of Arctic Survival. The team lead by renowned author and educator Gary Foo & Justin from the UK ERT SAR team did an awesome job and learned some valuable skills in addition to earning some bragging rights after having spent a successful night out in the woods with temps dropping to the -30’C mark.
Winter Survival Students Await The Dawn
Dave and Mike set out to conquer a Canadian Winter Night in the forests of Haliburton Ontario. Both guys have an avid interest in the great outdoors and trying to gain as much knowledge as they can about how to deal with emergencies and the unexpected that could happen while out enjoying typical fun winter activities. The two spent the day in the forest learning skills such as how to start a fire on snow when wood is scarce or not existent, how to build a winter shelter to give them protection from the elements, and most of all how to concur a cold winter night when stranded out in the forest. Both made it through until dawn unscathed and better prepared with some insight into what to pack for a winter trip and what to do if things don’t exactly go as planned.