Wilderness First Aid
Wilderness Medicine Course & Certification
This 16 hour Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course is tailored for individuals seeking an introductory understanding of wilderness medicine. It is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who desire a foundational knowledge and skills to address common injuries and illnesses encountered in remote outdoor settings.
Beyond certifications, the course empowers individuals with the confidence and skills needed to respond effectively to basic medical emergencies in wilderness settings, enhancing safety for both themselves and others. Additionally, the curriculum is continually reviewed to ensure it aligns with the most current guidelines, providing participants with up-to-date knowledge and best practices in wilderness medicine.
About the Course
Curriculum
The curriculum not only covers medical knowledge but also fosters critical decision-making skills essential for effective backcountry medical management.
Core Topics
- Patient Assessment Scene Size-up, Primary Survey, Secondary Survey
- Bleeding and Shock
- Abdominal and Chest Injuries
- Wound and Burn Management (bandaging)
- Fractures and Dislocations, Improvised Splinting
- Head and Spine Injuries, Spinal Motion Restriction
- Near Drowning
- Lightning Injuries and Prevention
- Heat-Related Illness
- Medical Problems in the Wilderness
- Bites and Stings
- Hypothermia and Cold-Related Illness/Injury
- Evacuation Guidelines
- Water Disinfection and Hydration
- Improvised Litters & Carries
Course Format
This course blends theoretical learning with practical application and can be conducted in various settings, including in-person classrooms, outdoor training facilities, and online platforms. Practical components often take place in simulated wilderness environments to provide realistic training scenarios.
This course is offered in two main formats:
- Hybrid: This option includes 8+ hours of online learning, followed by a minimum of 1 in-person class day.
- Traditional: This option consists of 2 days of in-person training.
Regardless of which course type a student chooses, the in-person days involve a combination of didactic lectures, small group discussions, practical skills sessions, and live-scenario training.
This curriculum is provided through our partner AdventureMed and follows the WFA guidelines set by the WMS.
The curriculum follows medical best practice as dictated by organizations such as the WMS, WHO, CDC, TCCC, AHA, and is authored by leading professionals in the industry. Learn more about AdventureMed here.
Certification and Credits
To earn the following certifications, students must complete the minimum time requirement for a WFA class, 16 hours. Additionally, a proctored written examination must be successfully completed.
Upon completion of this course, students are eligible for:
- WFA certificate, valid for two years
- Up to 16 hours of Nursing CEU credit
- CPR/BLS plus AED certificate, valid for two years (class dependent)
- This certification is provided by AdventureMed
- Epinephrine auto-injector certificate, valid for two years (upon request)