Wilderness First Aid

This 2-day program represents the minimum standard of training for the outdoor leader, instructor, guide or recreational adventurer. It provides a practical perspective on dealing with common wilderness injuries through to life threatening situations.

The program is divided between classroom and practical skills, utilizing scenarios and simulations to enhance learning and develop effective interventions and competent patient care.

Topics Covered

• First Aid and Wilderness Emergency Care
• Leadership & Liability
• Anatomy & Physiology 101
  • Principal Body Systems
• Patient Assessment System
  • Scene Survey
  • Primary Survey – drills & practice
  • Secondary Survey – scenarios / drills & practice
  • Documentation
• Basic Life Support
  • Airway Management and CPR in the Wilderness
• Traumatic Injuries
  • Head / Chest / Abdomen / Spine – practical scenarios
• Shock: Recognition & Management
• Patient Stabilization and Evacuation
  • Patient Positioning / Carries – drills & practice
  • Spinal Cord Injury Management – drills & practice
• Wound Management in a Remote Setting
  • Guiding Principles
  • Short Term / Long Term Care
• Musculoskeletal Injuries
  • Sprains / Strains / Fractures / Dislocations
  • Immobilization & Splinting Techniques – scenarios / drills & practice
• Environmental Emergencies
  • Sudden medical emergencies, poisoning, Heat Illnesses / Hyperthermia
  • Cold injuries / Hypothermia – practical scenario
  • Drowning / Near Drowning
  • Allergies, Anaphylaxis & Epinephrine – practical scenario

Recertification Information

There is no recertification for this introductory program. Successful participants may chose to take this course every three years or they may chose to upgrade to the Advanced Wilderness First Aid level of training by taking an additional 2 day course within a year of the completion of this program.