The Importance of Attending a Basic Mountaineering Course (BMC)

“It is good to know now and then need it, than need now then know it”

-Jose D. Cordero, RPh, MD

Mountaineering has become extremely popular these days. For many, it is not just an ordinary hobby but is also considered to be a lifestyle. We enjoy conquering mountains so much that it becomes our most effective mode of recharge from the stress we get in work or school. But as we enjoy the wonderful adventures that nature has to bring, it is also crucial that we do so with utmost caution and preparation.

This is why participating in a Basic Mountaineering Course is extremely relevant for people who want to enjoy the outdoors. Acquiring a BMC completion certificate is not about having a piece of paper to show as a requirement during climbs, but rather, an important opportunity for every outdoor enthusiast to be properly trained or educated as a mountaineer. To name a few, here are the important reasons for attending a BMC:

a. Learn the rules/principles of mountaineering

b. Learn how to be a good member/leader of a team

c. Learn the different risks in mountaineering

d. Learn different techniques in travelling light, layering, planning trips and many more

e. Learn about first aid

f. Be acquainted with fellow mountaineers

g. Learn the things you need to do in worst case scenarios

NEBMC understands the importance of proper education and training. Gathering 48 participants for the exciting event, NEBMC conducted its first ever Basic Mountaineering Course in Cabanatuan City with the purpose of promoting responsible mountaineering among its members. NEBMC’s goal for the year 2017 is to train competent and knowledgeable Mountaineers who will not just enjoy climbing mountains but advocate in their preservation as well.

Gracing the event are remarkable speakers who shared significant lessons to the participants regarding the different areas of Mountaineering.

Day 1 ( January 28, 2017)

A. BMC 1 - Climb Preparation, Equipment and Etiquette

B. BMC 2 - Trail Movement, Techniques and Camp Management

Instructor: Ptr Reynold Borjal Boringot

During this discussion, the lesson that made an impact to me was the Law of Interdependency. This states that everything we do will eventually affect someone else in one way or another. Everything in this world particularly the ecosystem where we live is interconnected in such a way that disrupting natural processes would lead to an imbalance of the entire system. The consequences of our actions may not be immediate but for sure, there will be. This is the reason why we as mountaineers should at all times be mindful of our actions because they will surely affect others sooner or later.

Ptr. Reynold Boringot discussing about the basic principles of mountaineering

Ptr. Reynold demonstrating proper camp management and backpacking

C. Leave No Trace Principle and Survival

Instructor: Don Chica

Leave No Trace is an important guiding principle in mountaineering. However, there are limitations. When safety is at stake, it is no longer the priority. Survival and Leave No Trace principles are two concepts that somehow contradict each other but can be reconciled by knowing the right predicaments when to apply them.

Learning about basic survival techniques

Mr. Don Chica showing the participants how to start a fire without using a match or lighter

D. Principles of First Aid

Instructor: Jose D. Cordero, RPh, MD

Before attending this BMC, I never knew completely about the dangers of mountaineering. All I knew was about fun and adventure. Upon learning about the different risks and how to treat them using first aid, I realized a very important lesson- It is good to learn about First Aid, but it is best to learn how to prevent any unwanted incidents by doing all the necessary preparations and training before going outdoors.

Doc Jose Cordero discussing about First Aid

A demo on how to apply first aid

Mr. Jose Barcena performing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

NEBMCi Basic Mountaineering Course participants

E. Basic Life Support, Bandaging and Mobilization

Instructor: Donald Obusan

In any case that an accident already happened, knowledge about Basic Life Support and Bandaging can be beneficial. While the hospital is far away, it is important to be able to secure the patient’s safety and prevent any further damage from occurring until professional help is available.

Mr. Donald Obusan discussing about basic life support

Applying a bandage to a patient with head or neck injury

The correct position when performing CPR

F. Basic Survival and Improvisation

Instructor: Ricard Valeriano and Jose Oliver Barcena

In the mountains, it is impossible to carry every safety equipment with you. In this case, it is important that we have an idea about Basic Survival and Improvisation. Creativity is a necessary skill in order to improvise during emergency or survival situations. The ability to make something useful out limited resources can secure the safety or survival of the patient and even the team as a whole.

An improvised stretcher made up of backpacks

An improvised stretcher made up of T-shirts

An improvised stretcher made up of a hammock

Day 2 (JANUARY 29, 2017)

G. Basic Ropemaship Course

Instructor: Rodante L. Morales

A rope may seem a very simple tool, but in desperate times, it is one of the most useful instrument that would carry us through survival. Ropemanship comes handy in instances such as rescue operation, river crossing, survival and etc.

Practicing the tricky and challenging knot tying

Participant showing support to team members

Paying close attention to the instructor's demo

H. Basic Orienteering (Land Navigation)

Instructor: Rocky Rosaria

As mountaineers, it is also important that we get acquainted with the tools used in navigation- Compass and Map. In this course, we learned about the different symbols found in maps and also the how to use a compass.