Wilderness First Aid: Changemakers Gain Skills for Caring for Others in Wild Places and Beyond
Written by Erin Angel, CI Senior Instructor, Changemakers & Alumni Coordinator. On a cold January weekend, while most people were staying cozy indoors watching the Broncos, Changemaker students—and a few hardy Cottonwood staff—were outside doing something pretty powerful: learning how to take care of one another when it matters most. Backcountry Pulse
led our group through an intensive Wilderness First Aid course designed for real-life situations in the backcountry.
Students learned how to prevent injuries before they happen and how to respond calmly and effectively when accidents do occur. From treating cuts and burns to managing broken bones, spinal injuries, and shock, the focus was on clear thinking, teamwork, and decision-making under pressure.
The learning wasn’t just theoretical. Students jumped into realistic scenarios that challenged them to assess situations, recognize symptoms of different illnesses, and decide on the best course of action with the tools and information available. While the “victims” practiced their acting skills, with realistic makeup, the rescuers put their book knowledge into action.
Between sessions, the weekend had its lighter moments too. Students played games, warmed up together, and spent time planning their upcoming summer trip, strengthening the sense of community that makes the Changemaker program special.
This training is about more than first aid. It’s about responsibility, leadership, and caring for others in wild places and beyond. Thanks to the expertise of Backcountry Pulse and the support of our donors, these students are gaining skills that will stay with them for life—on the trail, in their communities, and wherever their adventures lead.
A big thank you to the funders and supporters who help make the Changemakers Program possible, including: Larrk Foundation, Great Outdoors Colorado, Thorne Nature Experience, and Tony Grampsas Youth Services Program.
Changemakers are also raising money for their culminating multi-day backpacking trip this summer, where they design and implement the planning, logistics, itinerary, routes, gear, food, and transportation. They can explore anywhere in Colorado, so the sky is literally the limit. Read more about the 2025 Changemakers trip, and donate today to help make a life-changing experience possible for our 2025-26 Changemakers!
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