Fourteen members of the Clallam County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team completed a two-day Wilderness First Aid (WFA) training course on Nov. 2 and 3.

The training covered critical topics like assessing vital body systems, recognizing emergencies, performing CPR, stopping bleeding and managing musculoskeletal injuries.

The WFA course builds “a solid foundation in recognizing and managing emergencies in resource-limited environments where definitive care is less than a day away,” sheriff’s office representatives noted.

Volunteers also learned essential skills for handling environmental hazards like lightning, extreme temperatures, and water immersion, as well as treating anaphylaxis and other common wilderness injuries.

The Wilderness Medical Associates International certification is valid for three years.

Instructor April Grisetti of Peninsula Wild Med led the training, and Peninsula College provided the training space offered through the Community Education program.

Clallam County Sheriff’s Office representatives said they are thankful for the search and rescue volunteers who provide lifesaving searches in rural and remote areas. Volunteers train regularly and respond on a call-out basis for search and rescue operations county-wide.