Medical Volunteer

Thanks for your interest in becoming a medical volunteer for First Descents! Volunteering for a First Descents camp not only provides an opportunity to care for participants, but it also allows you to share in the excitement of a First Descents camp first-hand. You don’t have to already be a skilled kayaker or climber to help out. Below is more detailed information regarding volunteering for FD. In addition to volunteering as camp medical staff, First Descents is also looking for uniquely experienced individuals to help with the pre-camp process (see below). 

Let us know how you can help!

Medical Model: First Descents programs are attended by a wide range of cancer survivors with varying illnesses and health problems. Typically, these participants are either finished with their therapy or are undergoing more chronic cancer treatment. The FD model allows camp participants who have shared the experience of cancer to also share the experience of the outdoors with an aim towards healing. We have a screening process that matches participants with particular camps to ensure their success. Most medical issues arising at programs generally  typify those seen at any outdoor camp (bumps, sprains, insect bites, altitude illness, etc.) However, given the fact that many participants have continued effects from their cancer treatments (fatigue, neuropathy, amputations, seizures) First Descents wants to ensure a  safe environment for participation. Our partnering outfitters are experienced at dealing with medical issues as they arise just as they would at any of their other camp offerings for non-cancer survivors. However, First Descents welcomes experienced medical volunteers to lend their expertise and provide another layer of safety. Below are more specific details.

Physicians:  Physicians are able to volunteer in the widest capacity. Camp participants are screened and released by their own treating physician prior to camp. The FD physician’s role at camp is to provide basic medical support at camp and emergency support in the event of a serious illness or injury. As such, primary care or emergency physicians are often interested in volunteering, in addition to oncology professionals. First Descents provides basic medical supplies including emergency kits aimed at the BLS level (basic airway management).  Further supplies can be brought at the volunteer physician’s discretion.  Volunteer physicians should have malpractice coverage.  This can sometimes be obtained through the physician’s own insurance provider, however an extra layer of insurance coverage can also be provided by First Descents. Of course, each state’s “Good Samaritan” laws are also applicable with regards to emergency care. Physicians must have a valid license to practice in the state where the camp is held.

Mid-level providers:  Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants are also welcome.  If the mid-level provider can practice independently in the state in which the camp is being held, then the same information listed above for physicians will apply. Otherwise, your assistance is welcome in the capacity listed below.

Nurses, paramedics, EMT’s:  We welcome your expertise as well. While unable to practice independently from a legal standpoint, nurses and pre-hospital providers are able to help with many camp activities, and can often provide helpful insights into the camp experience given their healthcare background or activity-specific expertise. Additionally, your assistance can be valuable in emergency medical situations that may arise.  States typically cover your actions as a healthcare professional under “Good Samaritan” laws.

Pre-camp medical volunteers:  First Descent uses an on-line pre-camp screening process to best-fit applicants with a specific camp. We are looking for oncology health-care providers (nurses/physicians/mid-levels) who can help us in the screening process and provide advice with regards to specific treatment and medication side effects as they may relate to a specific camp or activity. If you have an interest in this important function then please let us know!

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Larry O. Smith, MD, FACEP
Medical Director, First Descents
larryosmith@hotmail.com