Wilderness Advanced First Aid

Service Description

Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA) is a 36-hour course designed for outdoor adventurers, guides, camp staff, and professionals who may need to manage patient care when evacuation is delayed for hours to days. This course expands on the foundational WFA concepts and prepares you to recognize, assess, and treat a wider range of injuries and illnesses in remote environments. WAFA builds strong hands-on competence, clearer decision-making, and a deeper understanding of how to care for someone in the field over time. What You’ll Learn WAFA goes beyond the basics and includes comprehensive instruction in: Patient assessment and emergency care, including CPR and AED use Identifying life threats and managing critical system problems Splinting, bandaging, and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries Managing wounds, burns, bleeding, and soft tissue injuries Environmental illnesses and injuries (heat, cold, altitude, lightning, submersion) Backcountry medical problems such as infections, GI issues, headaches, and more Safe lifting, moving, and non-technical extrication techniques Wilderness protocols for anaphylaxis, spine assessment, and remote-setting CPR Documentation, patient reporting, and when/how to call for rescue Students practice skills through scenarios, labs, drills, and case studies—making the learning highly applicable and memorable. Who This Course Is For WAFA is an excellent fit for: Trip leaders, guides, instructors, and outdoor professionals Camp counselors, youth leaders, and program directors Outdoor enthusiasts who want more depth than a WFA Individuals preparing to continue on to a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) Anyone who recreates or works in environments where help may be far away No prior medical training is required, and all experience levels are welcome. Course Format WAFA is a minimum 36-hour in-person course taught over several days (varies by location). Instruction includes: Interactive lectures & discussions Hands-on skills labs Patient assessment practice Outdoor scenarios Simulations and team-based problem solving 100% participation is required to ensure students develop practical, real-world competency. Certification Successful graduates earn: Wilderness Advanced First Aid Certification (valid for 3 years) Adult CPR Certification (ILCOR/AHA standards) This course is recognized by the American Camp Association and approved for CAPCE continuing education hours.