Wilderness First Aid

Wilderness First Aid Overview
Occasionally, injuries happen in the context of outdoor recreation, and as both enthusiasts and professionals we need to be prepared to treat, manage, and avoid injury in remote settings.  WFA is an introductory course designed to develop both decision making and management skills that address common backcountry injuries. This WFA course focuses on ‘hands on’ learning, where students are engaged in managing authentic scenarios; scenario based learning is supported by brief classroom discussions and reinforced with intensive practical work.

WHO IS WFA FOR?
The WFA is the perfect course for the outdoor enthusiast or trip leader who wants a basic level of first aid training for short trips with family, friends, students, and outdoor groups. It also meets American Canoe Association, British Canoeing and International Mountain Bicycling Associations first aid requirements.

WHAT IS TAUGHT?
The WFA is 16 hours long (two days), and focuses on the basic skills of: Response and Assessment, Musculoskeletal Injuries, Environmental Emergencies, Survival Skills, Soft Tissue Injuries, and Medical Emergencies.




Packing for WFA
We encourage participants to dress comfortably and come prepared to work/play outside in any weather (roughly ½ of the course will be spent outside).  In addition, we ask that participants come prepared as if they were leading a long day trip, group in either a mountain, mountain biking, or marine environment.  Improvisation is a core element of wilderness medical training; therefore, is essential that you come prepared with the equipment and resources that you would regularly carry on a full-day outdoor adventure.

Recommended Items:

  • Windproof/waterproof jacket and pants

  • Seasonally appropriate insulating layers

  • Seasonally appropriate closed toed shoes

  • Spare clothing/layers for splinting

  • Food and water for the day

  • Writing instrument

  • Day pack, Mountain Biking Pack, Climbing Pack or duffle/Bill Bag (paddlers)

  • Sport specific and/or leadership equipment i.e. Life Jacket, Sleeping Pads, Hiking Poles, Spare Paddles, First Aid Kits, Hydration Packs etc.