Wilderness First Aid (WFA)
Upcoming Wilderness First Aid Courses
Summary:
Wilderness First Aid is a two day introduction to general medical concepts and Basic Life Support skills. It’s targeted to the outdoor enthusiast on day trips or short adventures.
Taught by professional instructors with significant patient care and backcountry experience. Course materials include the Outward Bound Wilderness First Aid text written by our curriculum director Jeff Isaac, WMA fold-out field guide, and WMA patient SOAP notes.
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 offered in one of the two following 16-hour options. (Check with course sponsor for which format is being used.) Option 1 follows a standardized curriculum of topics and most of our WFA courses use this option. It includes specific training and certification in Adult CPR and Anaphylaxis management. Option 2 is for those sponsors who desire flexibility in the curriculum.
This option includes eight hours of core curriculum and eight hours of elective topics that can be tailored to the audience. CPR and Anaphylaxis are not included in this second option.
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
The Wilderness Medical Associates’ WFA Foldout Field Guide, handouts, The Outward Bound Wilderness First-Aid Handbook by Jeffrey Isaac , and SOAP notes are included in the cost of the course.
Completion and Grades
Successful completion with certification is based on 100% attendance 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 Wilderness First Aid course will receive a Wilderness Medical Associates’ WFA certification card, and if applicable, Anaphylaxis and Adult CPR certifications cards. These certifications are valid for three years.
Coast Guard Approval
This course meets or exceeds the standards of the American Red Cross Standard First Aid and Emergency Care or Multimedia Standard First Aid courses and will satisfy the Coast Guard first aid training requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(h)(1)(iii) AND meets or exceeds the standards of the American Red Cross or American Heart Association CPR courses and will satisfy the training requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(h)(2)(iv).
Upgrade
Graduates of a Wilderness Medical Associates’ WFA course are eligible for a $30 rebate when they attend a full-length Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness EMT course within one year of their original course date.
Recertification
Students should retake the WFA course or consider upgrading to the Wilderness Advanced First Aid and or Wilderness First Responder.
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: 8 hours - Registration, Introduction; Patient Assessment System; CPR; Circulatory System; Nervous System; Respiratory System; Fractures, Stable Injuries; Splints 1-Extremities; Electives
Day 2: 8 hours - Hypothermia; Hyperthermia and Heat Illness; Near Drowning; Lightning Injuries; Wounds and Burns; Anaphylaxis; Lifting, Moving Extrication; Patient Carries; Backcountry Medicine
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.
