January 14, 2020

Media Contact:

Tonia Springer, Baker Technical Institute, tonia.springer@bakersd.org, 541-524-2651

Baker Technical Institute to Provide Wilderness First Aid Training to OTEC Employees

Employees to learn remote emergency medical skills in course designed for utility workers

BAKER, Ore. – Baker Technical Institute (BTI) is pleased to announce that Oregon Trail Electric Co-op (OTEC) has partnered with BTI to provide employees from across the OTEC service territory with remote first aid training at it’s Baker City facility.

BTI will provide a two-day course that focuses on general medical concepts and basic life support for emergencies encountered in remote settings.  An emphasis will be placed on hands-on activities, including patient assessment drills as a major tool, in a learning environment that is relevant and realistic.

The course is taught by professional instructors with significant patient care and backcountry experience.  Lead instructor Dr. Kaare Tinglestad is a physician who has trained emergency medical service agencies, wilderness guides, military, and fellow medical professionals from around the globe how to care for patients who have sustained injuries or illness in remote situations.  Some of the specific course topics will include the patient assessment system, CPR, circulatory system, nervous system, respiratory system, fractures, stable injuries, splints, hypothermia, heat illness, near drowning, electrical and lightning injuries, wounds and burns, anaphylaxis, lifting, moving extrication, patient carries, and other backcountry medicine-related issues.

The course is designed specifically by BTI for utility workers which includes key details such as items they may have in their service trucks to treat patients, what environments they work in, and what emergencies they are most likely to encounter.  Additionally, patient assessment drills and simulations will also be specific to this group’s operations and their environment in Eastern Oregon to create the optimal training exercise. “Our team is really excited to be able to offer this training,” says Tonia Springer, BTI Program Coordinator.  “This may be some of the most valuable training they receive, and hopefully never have to use.  However, often times lives can be saved by having these specialized skills that are designed for where we live and work.”

“The safety of our members and employees is one of OTEC’s top priorities,” says OTEC’s Mike Pommarane, Director of Operations.  “We know that living and working in rural Eastern Oregon, our workers face a number of unknown risks, especially in heavily forested and remote areas.  BTI’s Wilderness First Aid training course is an important skill that will improve our field crews knowledge in dealing with outdoor medical emergencies, protecting both employees and the general public.   This course is another tool that sustains OTEC’s strong safety culture.”

Upon successful completion students will receive a three-year international certification in Wilderness First Aid and Adult CPR.  

For more information about wilderness medicine courses at BTI or to enroll in one of the various other programs visit bakerti.org or call 541-524-2651.

About Baker Technical Institute

Baker Technical Institute (BTI) is a leading provider of Career Technical Education programs focused on developing the next generation of skilled workers, technology innovators, entrepreneurs, and community leaders in rural communities. Headquartered in Baker City, Oregon, BTI offers cutting-edge education and training, leading to certification in high-wage, high-demand careers, such as agricultural sciences, building trades, natural resources/environmental sciences, engineering, health services, welding, heavy equipment operation, truck driving and logistics, and manufacturing. For more information, go to bakerti.org