Wilderness First Aid

Course Content

Wilderness First Aid is the ideal course for outdoor enthusiasts on overnight or short term wilderness adventures. Students will be able to recognize medical emergencies, and will become familiar with basic life saving skills, patient assessment, and basic field care for common injuries. Certifications are valid for three years. ​ Curriculum The Wilderness First Aid curriculum involves a minimum of 16 hours of instruction. In-class learning involves lecture, discussion, patient assessment drills, and skills labs. Students are encouraged to use their textbook to expand their knowledge after the course. ​ Course Topics Patient assessment and emergency care including CPR and AED use, basic life support skills, the patient assessment system, patient reporting, and calling for help. Treatment of musculoskeletal injuries, including splinting. Environmental medicine including illness and injuries related to temperature, lightning, submersion, and environmental toxins. Non-technical lifting, moving, and extrication of patients with an emphasis on spinal motion restriction when applicable. Management of wounds such as lacerations, burns, and blisters. Practical Skills including bleeding control, wound cleaning, bandaging, splinting, spine stable patient packaging, hypothermia management, medical kit preparation. Recognition of signs and symptoms associated with serious medical emergencies. WMA International wilderness protocols including treatment of anaphylaxis and wound management. ​ Evaluation This course is pass/fail. 100% attendance is mandatory. Evaluation is based on practical patient simulations, hands-on activities, and a written test. WMA International is committed to making reasonable accommodation for any student with special needs.