June 15, 2023
Three members of Modern Sailing, Arne Gelb, Alisa Driscoll and Elizabeth Henderson, were among those who recently participated in the no-prerequisite Advanced First Aid and CPR for Mariners course that was announced in the June 8 club newsletter. The course was offered by the Marine Medical Guides division of Backcountry Medical Guides. Founder John Taussig, a paramedic and an experienced US Coast Guard licensed captain was the lead instructor. It included approximately 4-6 hours of online slides/videos with quizzes, followed by two weekend days of skills practice and Q&A at Spaulding Marine Center, Sausalito.
Realistic scenarios with moulage (medical makeup) were run in the boatyard, on the dock, and aboard the historic restored 1885 gaff-rigged sloop, the Freda.
Besides the obvious intrinsic value for sailors and skippers, the course also satisfies the USCG first aid requirements for an OUPV or Masters license.
Another Bay Area class is planned for October 14 to 16. Watch for an announcement in the weekly newsletter.