Course Packing List

Your Train NEK course consists of two different learning environments:

Lectures where you’ll be sitting in a chair in our outdoor classroom.

Practical Sessions and Scenarios where you’ll be kneeling and rolling around on wet, muddy, rocky ground in all but extreme weather conditions, pretending to be hurt and practicing your rescue skills.

It’s Vermont! Expect a mix of bright sun, strong winds, rain, hail and/or snow.

WHAT TO PACK AND HAVE WITH YOU EACH DAY

• Each student is required to bring one or more non-socially-distanced family members, co-workers, friends or loved ones to serve as their patient. Your “patient” can either pay for the course or audit for free using you as their patient.
• Bring a bag lunch, snacks and water. (Peacham Cafe is open 8-2, W-Su)
• Wear comfortable, non-cotton layers you don’t mind getting stretched or dirty (a base “wicking” layer, an insulating mid-layer, a warm outer layer and waterproof top and bottom).
• Any footwear is fine for lectures but you’ll need sturdy, close-toed shoes or boots for practical sessions.

Additionally, please bring the below items to class even in warm weather! You will be using them to treat your patient and to supplement the clothing you wear (and the camping gear you might be using overnight). Due to COVID we cannot share gear.

• COVID Face Mask for you and your patient
• Wristwatch (your hands will be unavailable to hold your phone.)
• Paper and Pen/Pencil (pencils work in the rain)
• Warm Socks and Hat
• Mittens or Gloves
• Long Underwear Top and Bottom
• Windproof/Waterproof Layer, Top and Bottom
• Sleeping Pad
• Sleeping Bag or non-cotton blanket
• Tarp or Plastic Sheet (minimum 4′ x 6′)
• 6-10 Ties, 30″ or so in length (parachute cord, shoelaces, webbing, etc.)
• Headlamp with Extra Batteries (WFRs only)
• Day Pack to fit all of the above and carry around for each scenario

Heads up: you and your partner will be practicing patient physical exams including checking each others’ extremities.

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OPTIONAL BUT USEFUL ADDITIONAL ITEMS

Covered travel mug, lawn chair for outdoor classroom, personal first aid kit, sunglasses, sunscreen, camera, bug repellent, ball cap or visor, and any gear you tend to have with you outdoors so you can practice using it in scenarios for splinting, etc.

Pro Tip: For items you don’t own and can’t access from loved ones, check out secondhand stores such as Salvation Army or Goodwill.

Note: A custom has begun of students using colorful and/or bizarre pajama bottoms to create soft collars, splints, etc. for their patient. Such behavior is entirely encouraged.