Wilderness First Aid (WFA) Course Details

This intensive, hands-on 16-20 hour course is your essential introduction to wilderness medicine and basic life support. Designed for outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, campers, climbers, paddlers, camp staff, and anyone who recreates or leads short trips relatively close to potential medical assistance (within approx. 8 hours).

You’ll gain the practical skills and confidence to effectively prevent, assess, and treat common injuries and illnesses encountered in the backcountry. Learn the crucial Patient Assessment System, how to manage environmental emergencies (like heat/cold injuries), handle traumatic injuries (wounds, fractures, dislocations), address medical issues like allergic reactions, and make appropriate evacuation decisions. This course focuses on practical application through realistic scenarios.

Key Benefits

Foundational Wilderness Skills: Master essential first aid techniques adapted for remote environments where resources are limited.
Increased Confidence: Feel prepared to act effectively during an emergency, ensuring safer adventures for yourself and others.
Patient Assessment Mastery: Learn the systematic approach to evaluating a patient and identifying life threats.
Hands-On Scenario Practice: Develop practical skills through engaging, realistic simulations.
NYC Accessible Training: Quality wilderness medicine education, conveniently located for New Yorkers.

CPR/AED & Wilderness Anaphylaxis Training Included: Unlike many standard WFA courses, your registration includes full certification in CPR/AED (Adult/Child/Infant) and Wilderness Anaphylaxis Training (WAT), equipping you with vital life-saving skills at no extra cost.

Certification Details

Upon successful completion of the full course, you will receive the following certifications from Desert Mountain Medicine (DMM):

Wilderness First Aid (WFA) – Valid for 2 years
CPR/AED (Adult, Child, Infant) – Valid for 2 years
Wilderness Anaphylaxis Training (WAT) – Valid for 2 years

Our curriculum meets the highest industry standards set by the Wilderness Medicine Education Collaborative (WMEC) 3 and fulfills requirements for organizations like the Boy Scouts of America.

Curriculum

Based on the Desert Mountain Medicine curriculum, topics include:

Introduction to Wilderness Medicine: Urban vs. Wilderness Care Principles
Wilderness Recreation Law & Liability Basics
Wilderness Risk Management & Prevention Strategies
Patient Assessment System (PAS): Scene Size-up, Primary Survey (ABCDE), Secondary Survey (Vitals, SAMPLE History, Head-to-Toe Exam)
Basic Life Support (CPR/AED included)
Traumatic Injuries:
- Shock Management
- Head & Spinal Cord Injury Assessment & Management
- Wilderness Wound Management (inc. bleeding control, infection prevention)
- Musculoskeletal Injuries (Fractures, Dislocations, Sprains/Strains, Splinting)
- Burns
Environmental Emergencies:
- Hypothermia & Frostbite
- Heat Stroke & Heat Exhaustion
- Lightning Injuries
- Altitude Illness Overview
Medical Emergencies:
- Allergies & Anaphylaxis (WAT Training included)
- Common Backcountry Medical Problems (Asthma, Diabetes, Seizures overview)
Evacuation Considerations & Emergency Procedures

What to Expect & How to Prepare

Learning Environment: Expect a highly interactive and experiential course. Learning happens through a mix of lectures, discussions, hands-on skills practice (often in pairs or small groups), and realistic outdoor scenarios (weather permitting for outdoor components, otherwise indoors).6 Be prepared for active participation!
Physical Contact: This course involves hands-on practice of patient assessment and treatment skills, requiring professional, medically appropriate physical contact with classmates. You can opt out of being a “patient” in scenarios if preferred.
What to Wear: Comfortable clothing suitable for movement, kneeling, and lying on the ground. Layers are recommended as temperatures can vary, especially if scenarios move outdoors.
What to Bring: Pen/notebook, water bottle, snacks/lunch (unless otherwise specified), any personal medications, and enthusiasm to learn! A detailed list will be provided upon registration.

Attendance: Full attendance (16-20 hours) is required to receive certifications.