Wilderness First Aid

Service Description

Wilderness First Aid (WFA) is our foundational two-day course designed for anyone who spends time outside—hikers, parents, camp staff, Scout leaders, new guides, and outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. This hands-on class teaches you how to recognize, assess, and manage common injuries and illnesses when professional help may be delayed. You’ll learn practical skills, clear decision-making, and the confidence to respond effectively in low-resource or remote environments. What You’ll Learn In this engaging, scenario-based course, you’ll build competence in: Performing a structured patient assessment Recognizing life-threatening conditions and prioritizing care Managing musculoskeletal injuries (sprains, strains, fractures) Treating wounds, burns, blisters, and bleeding Identifying and responding to environmental illnesses (heat, cold, altitude, stings, bites) Making evacuation decisions and communicating with rescue personnel Basic backcountry medical kit setup and improvisation techniques WFA emphasizes realistic practice, teamwork, and field decision-making so you leave with skills you can actually use. Who This Course Is For WFA is ideal for: Outdoor beginners wanting to build confidence Parents and families who hike, camp, or travel Guides, camp staff, teachers, and youth leaders Anyone wanting a practical introduction to wilderness medicine Individuals seeking a prerequisite for more advanced training No previous medical experience is required. Course Format This is a 16-hour, in-person course taught over two days. Instruction combines short lectures, discussions, skills labs, and realistic outdoor scenarios. Students will be active participants—expect to practice patient assessments, splints, bandaging, and decision-making in a hands-on setting. 100% attendance is required for certification. Graduates receive a Wilderness First Aid Certification valid for three years, along with CPR instruction as part of the course curriculum (varies slightly by course location). Why Take WFA With Turn Left Adventure & Education? All courses are taught by medically trained instructors with years of field experience in guiding, rescue, and wilderness medicine. Our teaching style is supportive, clear, and rooted in real-world application, making the content approachable for true beginners and valuable for seasoned adventurers alike.