Climbing Medicine Clinics
Climbing First Aid™/Climber First Aid™ Clinic (1/2 Day – Full Day)
This clinic covers medical issues common to climbing, no matter the geographic location. This is the first clinic of it's kind offered to climbers with a specific focus on common climbing injuries and includes detailed information of how to prevent and treat overuse injuries and how to respond to falls and injuries that are climbing specific. Our original content, delivered in half day and full day courses are perfect for climbing gyms, university climbing clubs, climbing festivals and events, and are a great first step of training for all climbers interested in being better prepared to care for themselves and their partners in a vertical environment.
Vertical Medicine Resources has presented these clinics for the past five years at the American Alpine Club's Craggin' Classic event. The day long clinic is always full within days of posting and with a 4:1 student to instructor ratio, guarantees plenty of hands-on practice for each participant. All of our trainers for these clinics are AMGA certified guides or single pitch instructors. These courses are customized to the organization. Past clients include climbing gyms, university climbing clubs and teams such as the United States Military Academy and Appalachian State University, non-profit organizations such as the New River Alliance for Climbers and the AAC, and during festivals such as the Craggin' Classic Series and the Portland Alpine Festival.
Climb Prepared™ Clinics -- Levels 1 & 2 (2-3 Day)
Being a competent climber requires many skills. In addition to the movement and technical skills required to ascend/descend securely, all competent climbers should know how to treat medical emergencies on the cliff and have the technical skills to self-rescue. Vertical Medicine Resources (VMR) has partnered with Seneca Rocks Climbing School (SRCS) to create a unique course that addresses these fundamental skills. This two-day course integrates climbing medicine with self-rescue techniques to give students the confidence to care for themselves in multi-pitch and alpine environments.
Instructors Marque Garaux and Bryan Simon observe a student ascending to an injured climber. (Photo: American Alpine Club)