Wilderness First Aid

Course Objectives:

Our Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course is designed to provide an individual with an introduction to wilderness medicine, as well as basic skills to treat the most common injuries and illnesses encountered in the outdoors. This program is appropriate for entry-level professional outdoor guides, and other non-medical people who want a basic understanding of wilderness medicine.

Upon course completion, students will earn both the WFA and CPR/BLS plus AED certifications, which are valid for two years.

Time Commitment:

For a Traditional WFA certification, the length of instruction is approximately two full days.

For a Hybrid WFA certification, instruction includes eight hours of online coursework, followed by a 10-hour practical skills day.

Curriculum:

The materials below above are covered via lecture, practical skills sessions, and live-scenario training. Each topic will describe pathology, treatment, prevention, and provide evacuation guidelines necessary for high quality patient care.

This curriculum is continually reviewed for best practices and adheres to the most current guidelines.

Topics covered include, but are not limited to:

• Patient Assessment Scene Review, Primary Survey, Secondary Survey
• Bleeding and Shock
• Abdominal and Chest Injuries
• Wound and Burn Management (including bandaging)
• Fractures & Dislocations, Improvised Splinting
• Head and Spine Injuries, Spinal Immobilization
• 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