GEORGIA TRAIL SUMMIT​

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Sponsored by the Trust for Public Land, this event in 2019 helped one member of the Net Resource Foundation staff learn about efforts in other communities to develop and promote outdoor destinations.

“I learned it is important to include the community, especially people who are from that particular community, when you are doing something that affects them. We can’t assume that someone from Highland Park will understand the concerns of Alton Park, even though they may share demographic characteristics,” said Keana Walker.

According to their website, the upcoming 2020 Georgia Trail Summit will feature exciting field experiences, inspiring keynote speeches and engaging sessions designed to set into motion a shared vision for making Georgia a premier hiking, cycling and paddling destination.  https://georgiatrailsummit.com/

Outcome: The NRF staff have a new appreciation for involving the community when promoting public access to greenspaces including the importance of inclusive ideas and consideration of neighborhood impact. From this education the Net Resource Foundation created their youth outreach into the neighborhood with trained canvassing techniques to spread the word and seek further input about Put the Park Back in Alton Park.

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CPR AND AED 

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While working with children and out in the community, staff members felt it was important to become certified in Infant, Child and Adult CPR and use of the AED (automated external defibrillator).
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“I know people tend to think someone else will respond in an emergency,” Keana said. “Now that person can be me, especially with the kids and the potential for choking.”

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WILDERNESS FIRST AID​

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Further preparation for engagement in greenspaces included a two-day course in wilderness first aid where the staff learned about injury assessment, taking a pulse, allergic reactions, correcting a dislocated shoulder, stop the bleeding, and immobilizing an injury until help can arrive. 

“Through role-playing activities, we learned how to make a homemade sling using whatever you have available in case someone breaks an arm,” Keana said. “I probably will never have to do that, but I am prepared just in case.”
While most of the people attending were outdoor adventurists more likely to be in the back country when first aid was required, Raquetta and Keana felt this training complemented the CPR training in keeping them prepared as community leaders.

“It was interesting to learn how to use the GPS function on our phones to find the longitude and latitude,” Raquetta said. “Then you can lead rescue responders to your location no matter how far you are from civilization.”
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https://www.rei.com/events/a/wilderness-medicine

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