Wilderness First Aid
Duration
3 days in person
Prior Experience Level
None
Price
$250
About this course
When you're hours from the trailhead and help is far away, what you know matters most. This Wilderness First Aid course gives outdoor enthusiasts, trip leaders, camp staff, and backcountry travelers the skills and confidence to assess, treat, and manage medical emergencies in remote settings — where resources are limited and evacuation may take hours or even days.
Who it's for
Hikers, backpackers, paddlers, climbers, hunters, scout and youth leaders, camp counselors, outdoor educators, and anyone who spends time beyond the reach of quick medical care. No prior medical training is required.
What you'll learn
Patient assessment: a systematic approach to scene safety, primary and secondary surveys, vital signs, and patient history
Life threats: airway management, severe bleeding control, shock, and basic CPR in a wilderness context
Trauma: head and spinal injuries, chest injuries, fractures, sprains, dislocations, and improvised splinting
Wound care: cleaning, dressing, and managing wounds, burns, and blisters, plus infection prevention
Environmental emergencies: hypothermia, heat illness, lightning, altitude illness, near-drowning, and bites and stings
Medical emergencies: allergic reactions and anaphylaxis, asthma, diabetic emergencies, seizures, and chest pain
Decision-making: when to stay, when to go, evacuation planning, and communicating with outside help
Prevention and preparation: trip planning, first aid kit building, and keeping your group healthy
Format
This course blends classroom instruction with extensive hands-on practice. Much of your time is spent outdoors working through realistic scenarios with simulated patients, so you leave ready to respond to real situations — not just pass a test.
Certification
Upon attending the full course and passing the practical and written assessments, you'll receive a Wilderness First Aid certification valid for 2 years.
What to bring
Weather-appropriate clothing you don't mind kneeling or lying on the ground in, rain gear and layers, a water bottle, lunch and snacks, and a notebook. Expect to be outside for part of each day, rain or shine.