Yes, we were there. Debbie and nephew ran it with a time under 2 hours and I worked in several Red Cross Medical locations.

I wouldn’t think of running or walking it. I understand 6.2k but if you start talking about any larger or smaller number in k’s or m’s or start speaking words like centimeter and millimeter my brain shuts off, I slump into a fetal position and go to my happy place. Partly it is the word meter. As in parking meter, smart meter, speed-o-meter, therm-o-meter. But then put meter with that European kilo (that sounds illegal) or centi or megi or quadrilla it is time to look for the exit-o-meter. But I digress. What I was trying to say is if the number is larger than 10k running or walking is out of the question. Poor Presley (my dog)  just can’t make it that far.

There were quite a few blisters, a couple of sprains, lot of drunks (like totally – I can’t walk, talk and will lay down right here, drunk). One drunk bit a medic while they were trying to put him into the ambulance. I don’t think that is a good thing. I would imagine one might arrive at the emergency room minus (at the very least) their eyebrows. One drunk had fallen into some bushes and had little cuts and abrasions all over him. He didn’t even know what we were talking about. Nipple protection was a big thing for men and women and hypothermia – it was a cold windy day at the Bay.

60,000 people ran according to the press. All I know, at Red Cross Station 1 (about 5 blocks from the start), it took 1 hour and 20 minutes for the masses to go by. Some thanked us (the Red Cross) for being there. Some thought we were part of the parade. A woman in a nurses costume with a red cross on it didn’t understand why she couldn’t help us. Maybe we should have let her take care of the drunks.

How about an Emergency Responder?

This 52.5-hour course meets entry requirements for most fire technology and EMT programs. Successful participants receive the two-year CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer and Healthcare Provider, the three-year Emergency Response certification and the three-year First Aid for Public Safety Personnel certification.

It was a lot of fun, lots of study and homework and a great group to work with.

This course is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts or employees in remote environments an hour or more from EMS response. Sound like anyone you know?

Some of the topics include:

• Head, neck and spinal injuries
• Heat and cold related illness
• Allergies and anaphylaxis
• Bone and joint injuries
• Wounds, burns and infection
• Delayed help situations
• Altitude-related illnesses
• Preventing disease transmission

It is a 16 hour 2-day course and will give you the skills and confidence to respond to an emergency when help may be delayed. The course also meets the Boy Scouts of America Wilderness First Aid Curriculum and Doctrine guidelines. You need to have a current Adult CPR/AED (something you should have all ready!) certificate to take this class.

It would be a good class even if you didn’t go camping. In the event of a major disaster you could easily end up more than an hour away from help even if you live right down town!

So check with your local American Red Cross and get certified. Consider it part of making everything ready for the camping season.