Three CK Faculty Know All Good Things Are Wild and Free

Certainly three upper school teachers—Dr. David Slater, Gordon Thompson and Dave Cohen—understand why Thoreau once said: “All good things are wild and free.” They experienced nature up close and personal this past summer, earning Wilderness First Responder (WRF) certification in Colorado. After undergoing 80 hours of training in CPR, multiple-victim water-submersion incidents, assessment strategies, and appropriate first aid applications, they are now primed to handle the worst outdoor emergencies fathomable. WFR ties in with the faculty’s leadership role in the CK Wilderness program which is a 10-day backpacking experience in the Smoky Mountains for sophomores.

“Safety is a major concern of the Wilderness program. Its director has decided that every group of kids should have at least one adult leader with a WFR certification or other medical training,” says Slater of the program that teaches students to manage adversity, work together and face their fears. “With this training, the faculty members will be able to take action during a medical emergency should one arise when the group is on a remote expedition.”

Slater and Thompson attended WFR class at the High Mountain Institute in Leadville during June. The facility was at the base of Mt. Elbert, Colorado’s highest peak, while Cohen attended Naropa University in Boulder.

All three instructors agree that there is comfort in being WFR certified and realize that this medical knowledge could be put to good use anywhere, even on campus.

“I have the ability to save a life by learning skills you hope you never have to use,” says Thompson.

WFR certification was made possible by a faculty council grant.