The Mountaineers Complete Wilderness First Aid Training with Support from Trek for Trevor

On September 28-29, 2024, twelve members of Ohio State University's Mountaineers student club took part in a comprehensive Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification course led by expert instructors Seth Coakley and Austin Bragg from Princeton Outdoors. The training, made possible through a newly launched partnership with Trek for Trevor, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation, marked an important step toward ensuring that student leaders are equipped with essential safety skills for upcoming outdoor adventures.

Trek for Trevor was founded in honor of Trevor Laher, an Ohio State graduate and Mountaineer member who tragically lost his life while attempting to thru-hike the Pacific Crest Trail in 2020. The foundation's mission is to promote safe hiking and exploration through preparation, awareness, and education. The partnership with the Mountaineers is the foundation’s first step in extending its reach to student hikers, supporting them in becoming more prepared for the challenges they might face on the trails.

Mountaineers (Left to Right) include Erik Nilsson, Andre Poggio, Ryan Harrigle, Diego Dilley, Preston Myers, Halcy Russell, Audrey Williams, Kate Zaparaniuk, Lesley Reed, Maddie Phillips, Sarah Bungard, and Dylan Jones.

Safety as a Cornerstone of the Mountaineers' Mission

Jack Knellinger, President of the Mountaineers, emphasized the importance of this new initiative: “Our student leaders are critical in leading new and exciting outdoor trips to introduce more students to the outdoors, and our top priority is always keeping everyone safe. The on-campus Wilderness First Aid training provided by Princeton Outdoors allows our leaders to gain the skills and confidence needed to make informed decisions in emergency situations. We’re incredibly grateful for the partnership with Trek for Trevor and the opportunity to take our safety preparedness to the next level.”

The WFA training was designed to ensure that student leaders are prepared not only for minor injuries but also for serious medical emergencies that could occur miles away from help. As many of the club’s leaders prepare for club-sponsored trips over Fall break, the certification came at the perfect time to give them the tools they need to protect both themselves and their peers.

Andre Poggio practices placing a splint on Dylan Jones.

Hands-On Learning with a Lifesaving Purpose

The two-day training, led by Seth Coakley, involved hands-on scenarios simulating real-life wilderness situations. From splinting broken bones to treating heat exhaustion, the students were fully immersed in learning the core principles of first aid in the backcountry.

“The Wilderness First Aid certification gives students the knowledge and confidence they need to handle medical emergencies when professional help may be hours or even days away,” said Coakley. “We focus on the essentials: managing injuries, assessing health risks, and making critical decisions under pressure. The goal is for every participant to walk away feeling capable of ensuring the safety of their group, whether it’s on a weekend hiking trip or a more extended wilderness expedition.”

Throughout the training, participants practiced treating wounds, identifying potential hazards in outdoor environments, and developing emergency evacuation plans. The program also stressed the importance of prevention and preparation, aligning with Trek for Trevor's mission to promote safe exploration.

Halcy Russell places a shoulder sling on Lesley Reed                                                                 

Equipping Leaders for the Trail Ahead

Preston Myers, the club’s secretary who completed the training, shared his thoughts: “The Wilderness First Aid course was intense, but it really opened my eyes to the kinds of situations you can face when you’re out in the wild. I feel so much more confident about leading trips and knowing that I can provide leadership in an emergency. This training has made me think more about not just my own safety, but the safety of the whole group.”

For the twelve newly certified leaders, this training is just the beginning. As they prepare to lead over ten outdoor trips over Fall break to locations throughout the East Coast including Acadia National Park in Maine, the Presidential Range in New Hampshire, and locations in Michigan, their newfound skills will be put into practice, ensuring that their fellow students can enjoy the outdoors safely. By completing this certification, these students are embodying Trek for Trevor’s mission of awareness and preparedness.

       Wilderness First Aid Training on the Ohio State campus

Looking to the Future

“Trek for Trevor’s collaboration with the Mountaineers is part of our foundation’s broader mission” says David Laher; Trevor’s grandfather and President of Trek for Trevor. “As we look to the future, Trek for Trevor looks forward to building off of this safety program and expand our reach to others in the hiking community who share our passion for safety”.

“We believe this partnership is just the start,” said Knellinger. “Trek for Trevor’s financial support has been invaluable in making this training more attainable to our students and ensuring that more of our club members can explore the outdoors safely.”

For the Mountaineers and Trek for Trevor, this training represents an important milestone. It’s a reminder that with the right preparation, injuries can be mitigated and adventures in to the backcountry can be safe.