THIS COURSE IS FULL
To join the waitlist, please email info@wildernessfirstaidnyc.com
November 15, 2025
9:00 am
Movement Gowanus
To join the waitlist, please email info@wildernessfirstaidnyc.com
The Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course is an introduction to wilderness medicine and basic life support skills. This is a hands-on, scenario-based training focused on prevention, assessment, and treatment of environmental illnesses, recognizing and stabilizing life threats caused by trauma, and calling for a rescue in the event of a wilderness emergency. The WFA is ideal training for outdoor enthusiasts, camp counselors, and backcountry trip leaders.
Wilderness First Aid Curriculum includes:
– Urban vs Wilderness Medicine
– Intro to Wilderness Recreation Law & Liability
– Basic Wilderness Medicine Guidelines
– Intro to Wilderness Risk Management
– Patient Assessment
– Basic Life Support
– Basic Traumatic Injuries
– Red Flag Backcountry Medical Problems
– Wilderness Anaphylaxis Training
– Basic Environmental Medicine
– Intro to Backcountry Communication Devices
– Basic Documentation
– Basics of Calling a Rescue
Wilderness First Aid NYC is a provider of Desert Mountain Medicine curriculum. All courses meet the highest industry standards of wilderness first aid training curriculum according to Desert Mountain Medicine and the Wilderness Medicine Education Collaborative.
These are hands-on, scenario-based and experiential learning-based first aid courses. Course material is taught through a series of lectures, activities, and scenario practice. When you register for a course, you will receive a follow-up email with full details including: Course Overview & Expectations, Participant Agreement, Liability Waiver, and Photo Release (optional).
Be prepared to touch classmates in a professional, medically-appropriate manner in the service of learning patient assessments and interventions; this is a crucial component of learning in this course. If you are not comfortable being touched, you may opt out of being in the patient role in scenarios.
Wear clothes that are comfortable for moving, kneeling, and lying on the ground. Bring layers in case we are able to be outside, although courses will take place indoors unless explicitly and loudly noted otherwise. Bring a pen and any snacks or beverages (non-alcoholic) you need to sustain your energy.
This course runs 16-20 hours. With full attendance, participants will receive 2-year certifications in Wilderness First Aid, CPR, and Wilderness Anaphylaxis Training from Desert Mountain Medicine.
Full refunds will be provided until 30 days before course start. 50% refunds will be provided 29-15 days before course start. There will be no refunds 14 days from course start and beyond. In the event of illness, participants will receive full credit towards a future course.
Email Wilderness First Aid NYC at info@wildernessfirstaidnyc.com to request a refund.

Ella is the founder and primary instructor at Wilderness First Aid NYC. With a background as an outdoor educator since 2014 and over a decade of global backcountry experience, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her teaching. Her teaching emphasizes critical thinking around risk management, thorough preparation, and effective incident leadership.