Katie Woods

Hi, I’m Katie Woods, owner and lead instructor of First Aid Outdoors (formerly Barefoot Wild Med). I’m an educator and lover of learning new things, licensed health care provider (athletic trainer, WEMT, ski patroller), and outdoor enthusiast (primarily boating, hiking, camping, biking & skiing). I’m born and raised WV, lived in Salt Lake for quite a bit, and currently call Hamilton, MT home. I’ve lived there since June 2021 with my husband Taylor and our two pups, Shiner and Kari. We have a daughter now too, so I’m trying out this mom thing… She was born in October 2023!

My career in wilderness medicine began at Massanutten Resort (woot, woot) outside of Harrisonburg, Virginia as a ski patroller in 2006. Since then, I’ve applied my personality, knowledge, and skills to other fun challenges like white water raft guiding, volunteer search and rescuing, assistant professor-ing, and as an athletic trainer in various settings. I love school and, along with a BS in Athletic Training from James Madison University (go Dukes), earned a MS in Exercise and Sport Science with a concentration in Sports Medicine and a M.Ed. in Instructional Design and Educational Technology, both from the University of Utah.

My teaching journey with Wilderness Medical Associates International (WMAI) began in 2014 and I started my WMA Licensed Training Company in fall 2020. I rebranded to First Aid Outdoors in summer 2025. Teaching is my passion and I’m proud to share the WMA wilderness medicine curriculum with you and continue to be so incredibly grateful to be able to combine my multiple interests into a fulfilling career.

I’m so glad you’ve found First Aid Outdoors, please reach out so I can answer any questions or if you’re interested in hosting a course!