Who is this Wilderness First Aid (WFA) workshop for? What to expect? What is typically covered in a WFA course?

Who Is This Wilderness First Aid Course for?

Fast paced and hands-on, this two-day course covers a wide range of wilderness medicine topics for people who travel in the outdoors. Whether spending time in the backcountry is your passion or your profession, you should never have to ask, "What do I do now?" On this course, you'll learn how to prepare for the unexpected.  In just two days, you'll have the knowledge, skills and ability to make sound decisions in emergency situations.  This course is ideal for trip leaders, camp staff, outdoor enthusiasts and individuals in remote locations.  This course does not include CPR. Additionally, no prior first aid experience or certification is necessary.

What to Expect

• The Outdoor Activities Training Program hires several WFA providers to teach the WFA courses for the Sierra Club.  Currently we have been working with Foster Calm-First Aid and Leadership Training and the Wilderness Medicine Institute of NOLS.

• The format for the WFA is classroom lectures integrated with practical scenarios.  Scenarios, and practice sessions will take place both inside and outside.  Please bring outdoor clothing appropriate for laying on the potentially wet, muddy or snowy, cold ground playing the role of both rescuer and patient. 

• Since the courses are very fast paces, courses will generally run 8am-5pm with an occasional evening session.  Check the specific WFA brochure to learn more. 

• Frequently stage (moulage) blood and make-up will be used to emphasize the reality of a scenario. 

• Generally the classroom environment lends itself to to a pair of comfy shoes/slipper and a crazy creek-type chair. 

• Please come equipped with a light day pack, waterproof top and bottom, light hiking boots, and layers well suited for spending time outside playing the role of patient and rescuer.

• Food is not included, so please bring lunch and snacks.

• To receive your WFA certification you will need to be in attendance the entire weekend.

• WFR recertification information: Both Foster Calm and WMI recertify Wilderness First Responders; check the specific WFA brochure to learn about the recertification specifics.

What is typically covered in a WFA course?

Here is a sample schedule which will vary depending on WFA provider and instructional team:

DAY 1 (8am-5pm)	DAY 2 (8am-5pm)
Introductions (.5 hr). Assessment Patient Assessment System (3.5 hrs)     Initial Assessment     Focused History and Patient Exam     Documentation Lunch (1 hr) Spine and Head Injuries Spinal Cord Injury Management (1 hr) Head Injuries (5 hr) Shock, Bleeding, Wounds Shock and Bleeding (75 hr) Wilderness Wound Management (1.5 hr)	Focused Spine Assessment (.5hr) Musculoskeletal Injury    Athletic Injuries (.75 hr)    Fractures (.75 hr)    Dislocations (.5 hr) Lunch (1 hr) Environmental Heat Injuries (.5 hr) Cold Injuries (.75 hrs) Lightning (.5 hr) Altitude Illness (.5 hr) Medical Topics Acute Abdomen (.5 hr) Anaphylaxis (.5 hr) The Unconscious Patient (.5 hr) Wilderness First Aid Kits (.25 hr)