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WFA - Wilderness First Aid

Wilderness First Aid is a two-day introduction to general medical concepts and basic life support skills. It is targeted to seasonal outdoor staff and those involved in recreational wilderness trips. Given the short duration of this course, emphasis is placed on hands-on activities, including patient assessment drills as a major learning tool as opposed to long lectures. The course content meets the anticipated medical needs of those communities.

COURSE CONTENT

  • 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

Successful completion with certification is based on:

  • Attendance (100% attendance is mandatory)

  • Practical patient simulations

  • Hands-on activities

  • Successful grade on a final written exam.

​

Wilderness Medical Associates International is committed to making reasonable accommodation to any student with special needs.

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.

CERTIFICATION
&
Recertification

  • Wilderness First Aid Certification

  • Adult CPR Certification (Based on ERC guidelines)

 

Certifications are valid for three years.

​

Recertification

Graduates of this course should take another WFA course or consider upgrading to the Wilderness Advanced First Aid or Wilderness First Responder.

PREREQUISITES

Prior to enrolling, please review our Functional Position Description.

 The criteria in this policy allow students to self-assess their ability to meet the demands of a WMA International course as well as the demands of a certified wilderness medical provider in the field.

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 CONTENT
  • 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.

Successful completion with certification is based on:

  • Attendance (100% attendance is mandatory)

  • Practical patient simulations

  • Hands-on activities

  • Successful grade on a final written exam.

 

Wilderness Medical Associates International is committed to making reasonable accommodation to any student with special needs.

EVALUATION
(RE)CERTIFICATION
  • Wilderness First Aid Certification

  • Adult CPR Certification (Based on ERC guidelines)

 

Certifications are valid for three year

 

Recertification

Graduates of this course should take another WFA course or consider upgrading to the Wilderness Advanced First Aid or Wilderness First Responder.

Prior to enrolling, please review our Functional Position Description.

 The criteria in this policy allow students to self-assess their ability to meet the demands of a WMA International course as well as the demands of a certified wilderness medical provider in the field.

PREREQUISITES
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