Some things I’ve learned in the past five weeks:
(1) Rescuing people stuck in swiftwater rapids involves a lot of ninja moves.
(2) It can take a team of 18 two hours to unpin a raft that has been wrapped on a rock.
(3) And yes, it snows in the desert.

I’m touching base from Vernal, Utah with many new stories and new experiences from some time canyoneering and learning swiftwater rescue. Following my urban EMT course, I jumped straight into a learning-packed canyoneering and leadership course through the backcountry of Canyonlands and nearby BLM property. In total, we hiked 120 miles through the backcountry and spent any time not hiking learning risk management, leadership, and navigational skills to survive and thrive in the desert. I quickly learned that the desert poses some very new and very real challenges unique to the arid and occasionally hostile environment — sometimes we would travel with all the water that we would need for several days on top of our 40-50 lb backpacks, the nearest water miles upon miles away. We encountered threat of quicksand, rockfall, and scorpions. We hiked under the scorching sun constantly monitoring for heat exhaustion, dehydration, and sunburn, only to wake up to 4 inches of snow checking our hands and feet for frostbite.

Following three weeks of soaking in all the knowledge, beauty, and sun the desert had to offer, I jumped into an intensive swiftwater rescue course prepping for an 11-day expedition on the river. I learned and practiced a wide amount of technical skills ranging from how to tie a variety of knots to how to set up an tethered rope system attaching a rescuer to shore as they catch an unconscious patient floating downstream. I learned how to do technical dives into swiftwater allowing for rapid entry to the river, and how to set up underwater ziplines and elaborate rope systems to lasso patients and bring them to shore. The fun didn’t stop on the expedition — in addition to continued learning and elaborate simulated scenarios allowing me to practice my skills, I learned to row and guide paddle boats and oar rigs.

These adventures have given me an entire new skill set and have prepared me for wilderness rescue and survival unlike any other experience I’ve ever had. I look forward to being able to share more about my experiences in the coming weeks, as my spring semester comes to a close at the beginning of May! Up next — climbing in Red Rocks and St. George and some two-rope rescue!