Medic Resources: Keeping Volunteers Safe and Supported
Medic Resources provide critical support to Wildlands Restoration Volunteers projects by offering first-aid, safety oversight, and emergency readiness in the field. As a Medic Resource provider, you help ensure that volunteers can work confidently and safely during hands-on restoration activities across Colorado.
Medics work with Project Leaders, leadership teams, and WRV staff to prepare for health and safety needs, respond to incidents, and support volunteer well-being. Your involvement strengthens WRV’s commitment to safe, effective restoration and empowers volunteers with the confidence to engage fully.
What Are Medic Resources?
Medic resources are trained leaders who provide first-aid support, safety assessment, and emergency response coverage for WRV restoration projects. Medics help ensure that volunteers have access to professional care and guidance if injuries or medical concerns arise in the field.
Their presence reinforces WRV’s safety protocols and helps crews work with confidence, knowing that trained responders are available to support health and safety needs throughout the project day.
How Medic Resources Make an Impact
Volunteers engage in physical work in remote outdoor settings — which sometimes includes challenging terrain, tools, and prolonged activity. Medic resources help reduce risk and improve volunteer confidence by providing:
- on-site first-aid and assessment
- emergency readiness
- health monitoring
- safety recommendations
This level of support helps prevent minor issues from becoming major problems and ensures that volunteers can focus on restoration work with peace of mind.
Responsibilities and Collaboration
Medic resources collaborate closely with Project Leaders, Crew Leaders, and Tool Managers to integrate safety into project planning and execution. Key responsibilities may include:
- developing first-aid plans for the project
- managing first-aid kits and supplies
- providing support during volunteer check-in and orientation
- documenting incidents and health concerns
- communicating with agency partners and emergency contacts if needed
Their role bridges safety and restoration goals while fostering a culture of preparedness and care.
Qualifications, Training, and Preparation
Medic resources typically hold certifications in wilderness first aid, CPR, emergency response, or related medical training. WRV values a range of medical backgrounds, and training levels are matched to project needs and site conditions.
WRV supports Medic Resources by sharing project details, accessibility information, and safety expectations so that responders can prepare and coordinate effectively with crews and leaders.
Commitment and Involvement
Medic resources may participate in projects based on availability, project schedule, and location. Some medics choose to support multiple projects throughout the season, while others contribute on an occasional basis.
This role offers meaningful ways to contribute medical expertise in service of restoration goals and volunteer well-being, extending WRV’s capacity for safe, community-based work.
VOLUNTEERS WITH FIRST AID TRAINING
Objectives
To the extent possible, prevent injuries to participants in WRV projects. In the event of an injury or illness, administer appropriate emergency care within one’s own training.
Responsibilities
Before the project:
- Provide copies of current certification cards to WRV staff (WFR, WEMT, OEC, and CPR or higher for Backcountry projects; First Aid, WFA or higher for Frontcountry projects)
- Attend pre-project leadership meeting, if possible (via web conference)
- Work with the project team to review site safety risks, discuss evacuation plan/concerns and review Technical Notes and Emergency Response Plan provided by WRV staff
- Coordinate needed supplies with WRV staff – first aid kit/equipment, radios, applicable forms
During the project:
- Know the contents of and carry first aid equipment on projects (WRV staff will provide a project Medic kit). Complete SOAP notes for all care given.
- Be available by radio (provided by WRV) during project and after hours for overnight projects. Volunteers with First Aid Training are limited to 2 alcohol beverages during the after hours portion of overnight events and must remain sober to provide care.
- Communicate with Project Leader and WRV staff during the event to reassess risks as conditions change. Communicate with Crew Leaders and Volunteers that you are a designated Volunteer with First Aid Training.
- Provide emergency care to the level of training as needed on projects
- Contact outside emergency response care, if needed
After the Project:
- Assist WRV Staff in completing Incident Report Forms and return all equipment materials to staff in a timely manner.
- Contribute to debrief sessions whenever possible.
Background or Qualifications
For Backcountry/wilderness projects, volunteers filling this safety role must have a current Wilderness First Responder or higher certification. For Frontcountry projects, volunteers must have a current First Aid and CPR certification or higher. The classification of Backcountry or Frontcountry project is made by WRV staff based on the criteria of the Wilderness Medical Institute of NOLS.
Training and Preparation
Dependent upon project. The Volunteer with First Aid Training is briefed by the project team and may be involved in project planning.
Meetings and Site Visits
Before project, attend planning meetings and site visits, as needed, to fully understand the potential risks of the project. Before project, pick up first aid equipment, radios, medic IDs, applicable forms. After project, return equipment, fill out forms and attend project debrief session, as needed.
Commitment
Project-by-project basis.
Oversight
Reports to Project Leader. Works with WRV staff and Crew Leaders.
Measures of Success
Potential hazards are reduced if possible. Volunteers working on the project are informed of possible hazards in an effort to prevent injuries. In the event of an injury or illness, injured person is treated in the appropriate manner.