Wilderness First Aid

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.

AdventureMed Student Eligibility Criteria

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 & 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 & 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.

Sample Schedule

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
• 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)

Regardless of how you spend time in the wilderness, the Wilderness First Aid course offers essential training to handle medical emergencies in challenging environments, fostering a safer outdoor experience for all.