Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA)
Upcoming Wilderness Advanced First Aid Courses
Summary:
Wilderness Advanced First Aid is a comprehensive medical training course designed for outdoor recreationalists or wilderness trip leaders who venture into moderately remote and challenging environments. The content is significantly more detailed than the Wilderness First Aid course, including emphasis on common critical body system problems and environmental topics.
Description:
Wilderness Medicine
Wilderness Medicine differs significantly from standard Red Cross courses and other programs that are oriented toward the urban environment. This course teaches what to do with a medical emergency when help is miles away and calling 911 isn’t an option. We prepare students for emergency situations that involve prolonged patient care, severe environments and improvised equipment.
Class Format
This course is presented in 36 hours over four days. Typically, mornings are devoted to lectures, discussions and quizzes, with afternoons devoted to practical hands-on sessions. Evenings are reserved for study and assignments.
Course Sponsors and Instructors
Wilderness Medical Associates’ courses are offered by a variety of sponsors in the US and abroad. Sponsors may set rules regarding parking, dogs, the use of alcohol, and other site-specific issues. The course sponsor sets the tuition and provides the classroom and any housing or meals that may be included. All courses are taught by WMA™ instructors who have been through our rigorous selection and training process and adhere to our course standards and curriculum.
Textbooks
All teaching materials are provided by Wilderness Medical Associates at no additional cost. This includes a book of lecture handouts, SOAP Notes, The Outward Bound First-Aid Handbook by Jeffrey Isaac, and The Wilderness Medical Associates Field Guide.
Completion and Grades
Successful completion with certification is based on 100% attendance, satisfactory performance on homework assignments and written quizzes, demonstrated proficiency with practical skills and a grade of 80% or better on final written exam. Wilderness Medical Associates is committed to making reasonable accommodation to any student with special needs.
Certifications Available
All students who successfully complete the WAFA course will receive WAFA certification card, an Anaphylaxis certification card and Adult CPR certifications from Wilderness Medical Associates. These certifications remain valid for three years.
Recertification and Upgrade
For those with a current WMA Wilderness First Responder or WMA Wilderness EMT certification, the WAFA may be used as a recertification option, in conjunction with a Recertification Package. Upon receipt of a course roster from the sponsor, pre-course Recertification Study Guides will be mailed to students two to four weeks prior to the first day of their course.
WAFA graduates are eligible to upgrade to a WFR by taking the WAFA-to-WFR-Bridge course within three years of receiving their WAFA certificate.
Prerequisites:
Students must be at least sixteen years old to participate in this course. Those under eighteen years of age will require the written consent of a parent or guardian.
Syllabus:
Day 1: 9 hours - Introduction/Registration; General Concepts; Infection Control; Patient Assessment System; Circulatory & Respiratory Systems; Adult CPR; Basic Life Support
Day 2: 9.5 hours - Quiz/Case Studies; Nervous System, Spine Management; Musculoskeletal Injuries; Lifts, Moves, and Extrications; Splints - Extremities; Patient Assessment Drills
Day 3: 9.5 hours - Quiz/Case Studies; Thermoregulation; Bites and Stings; Lightning; Elective Topics; Wounds and Burns; Allergies and Anaphylaxis; Improvised Patient Carries; Patient Assessment Drills
Day 4: 8 hours - Case Study Review; Elective Topic; Backcountry Medicine; Medical and Legal Issues; Patient Assessment Drills; Simulations; Final Exam; Conclusion
What to bring:
Bring appropriate clothing for the location and time of year. Remember that, rain or shine, much of our time is spent outside. You will also needs pens, a notebook, and a watch with a second hand. See our Student Handbook and speak with the sponsor for more information.
