Wilderness First Aid (WFA)

Course Description

As the entry level course for anyone who spends time in remote places, the Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course will help you prepare for the unexpected. This fast paced, hands-on training is designed to meet the needs of trip leaders, camp staff, outdoor enthusiasts and individuals working in remote locations. It will introduce you to caring for people who become ill or injured far from definitive medical care. Classroom lectures and demonstrations are combined with realistic scenarios where mock patients will challenge you to integrate your learning. At the end of the course, you’ll have the knowledge, skills and ability to make sound decisions in emergency situations.

Class Format
The format for this 16-20 hour WFA involves classroom lectures integrated with practical scenarios, skills practice sessions, case studies, role playing, and simulates rescues. Attendance is required for all scheduled classes. Scenarios and practice sessions will take place both inside and outside. Simulated rescues will take place outside, rain or shine.

Prerequisites

No previous first aid training is required. You must be 16 years old to attend this course.

Certification

Participants are required to pass both written and practical examinations to obtain WFA certification. Successful course completion earns you an American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI) Wilderness First Aid certification. For courses including CPR you will earn an ASHI Adult/Child CPR & AED certification. Both certifications are valid for two years.

Cost

$325 Tuition and Materials (WFA Pocket Guide, CPR Mask) for course including CPR & AED.

Registration and Policies

To register you have two options: (1) Call us at (970) 729-2779 and register over the phone. (2) Go to the “Upcoming Courses” page and click on “Register Here” under the appropriate course. A deposit of $100 via cash, check or credit card is required to reserve a space in the course with the balance of the tuition due at the beginning of class. Cancellation prior to 2 weeks is eligible for a full refund. Cancellation within 2 weeks forfeits the deposit.

Required Equipment

Please bring outdoor clothing appropriate for lying on potentially wet, muddy or snowy, cold ground playing the role of both rescuer and patient. You will need: a day pack, water bottle, multiple clothing layers, waterproof jacket and pants, gloves and hat, and sturdy boots.

Topics

• Patient Assessment System
• Shock
• Head and Spinal Injuries
• Wilderness Wound Management
• Fracture Management
• Heat and Cold Emergencies
• Altitude Illness
• Lightning
• The Medical Patient
• Anaphylaxis
• Wilderness First Aid Kits
• Adult/Child CPR & AED (in some courses)