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WILDERNESS FIRST AID

Our Wilderness First Aid (WFA) courses are designed for all skill levels as an introduction to the basics of assessment and treatment. The WFA is a great fit for outdoor enthusiasts who like to venture on short day or overnight trips with cell service or satellite phone service. Our WFA follows the Emergency Care & Safety Institute (ECSI) curriculum, which is supported by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and the American College of Emergency Physicians. Students who complete the course will be granted a certificate through ECSI. 

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The WFA scope of practice includes: 1. Identify and treat basic life threatening illness and injury, 2. Contact emergency medical support to gain further assistance for patient care and evacuation. 

Mountain Lake

Things to Note:

  • Certificate is valid for 2 years

  • Field manuals will be provided to students at the in-person portion of their course

  • Students must attend and participate in all aspect of their course to be eligible for certificate

  • Students must pass a written exam and skills exam in order to receive their certificate​​

  • Course follows Emergency Care & Safety Institute (ECSI) WFA curriculum

  • Certificate is granted by ECSI

Mountain Range

Course Options

Choose the format that works best for you and your life

In-Person

2-Days, 20 hours, All in-person

Cost: $225, supplies and textbook included

This intensive, in-person course consists of 2 ten-hour days full of discussion, lecture, skills practice, and patient scenarios. Students will be given access to the same online resources as the hybrid course.​

Hybrid

Video lectures online, 1-day hands on

Cost: $225, supplies and textbook included

The hybrid WFA offers an at-your-own-pace learning option. Learners have 1 month prior to their hands on portion to review online lectures and provided resources. The pre-recorded lectures offer the same content as the in-person courses. The 1 day hands-on portion provides students the opportunity to apply their learning to patient scenarios and practice important skills, such as splinting and wound care.​

Foggy Mountains

Course Eligibility

  • Must be at least 16 years of age 

  • Health status that permits up to 10-12 hour days of sitting, standing, squatting, and/or lifting up to 50 lbs.

  • Be able to independently move around in the varying settings. This may include grassy fields, single track trail, or hillside terrains. 

  • NOTE: We are happy to adjust our courses to accommodate for disabilities. Please reach out directly to discuss how our team can make these accommodations. 

  • Medical and medication history that could impact your ability to complete the course should be disclosed to course instructors to facilitate and ensure the safety of students ​

  • Be prepared by completing any pre-assigned course work and arrive to class ready to engage and participate in all learning activities

  • Be inclusive and respectful to all other students and participate in learning activities with students from varying backgrounds

Course Objectives

After our WFA course, learners should be able to:

  • Maintain rescuer and patient safety.

  • Perform a physical exam to identify signs injuries or illnesses. Assess symptoms, trend vital signs, and obtain a patient history.

  • Stabilize basic emergencies. Initiate straightforward medical treatments, such as splints, wound care, and managing environmental threats. 

  • Utilize field manual 

  • Recognize signs of environmental illnesses and life threatening medical problems while utilizing field manual and support from medical professionals. 

  • Establish the need and urgency for evacuation with the help of medical support and EMS.  

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WFA proficiencies have been adapted from the Wilderness Medicine Education  Collaborative (WMEC) certification standards. 

Snowy Trees

WFA Core Topics
& Skills

  • Patient Assessment and Scene Survey

  • Traumatic Injuries​​

    • Shock and Bleeding​

    • Brain, Neck and Spine Trauma

    • Chest and Abdomen Trauma

    • Soft Tissue Injuries

    • Musculoskeletal Injuries

  • Environmental Problems​​

    • Hydration

    • Heat Illness

    • Cold Injuries and Hypothermia

    • Lightening

    • Drowning

    • Bites, Stings, and Animal Attacks

  • Medical Problems

    • Life Threatening Medical Emergencies​

      • Cardiac, Respiratory, Neurologic​

    • Abdominal Pain

    • Anaphylaxis and Allergies

  • Medical Legal 

  • Skills:

    • Obtain patient ​assessment, vitals, SAMPLE history

    • Perform bleeding control and apply tourniquet

    • Apply spine precautions and protection

    • Write a SOAP Note

    • Splint musculoskeletal injuries 

    • Create a hypothermia wrap

    • CPR and First Aid with AED

Mountains
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