Wilderness First Aid (WFA)
Prepare for the unexpected with this engaging, hands-on introduction to wilderness medicine, taught over two or two and a half days. If you like to take short trips relatively close to medical resources, work at wilderness camps, enjoy weekend family outdoor activities, or recreate outdoors, this course is for you.
This course is great for people of all experience levels, and is best suited for those who recreate outdoors where EMS response can be expected in a timely manner (fewer than eight hours). You’ll learn the Patient Assessment System, how to provide effective first aid treatments for injuries and illnesses common in the outdoors, and how to make appropriate evacuation decisions.
You’ll learn both in the classroom and in outdoor settings regardless of weather, so come prepared for wet, muddy, cold or hot environments!
Course Policies
Please review our policies including cancellation policies, attendance requirements, minimum age requirements, and more.
Resources & Downloads
Additional Details
Academic Credit (Learn more)
This course is approved for 1 college credit through the University of Utah and 0.5 college credit through Western Colorado University.
Course Approval
This course is recognized by the American Camp Association to meet specific ACA standards requiring certifications. The course meets the Boy Scouts of America Wilderness First Aid training requirements. Additionally, the Wilderness First Aid course (WILDMI-554), and when included the CPR/AED course (WILDMI-134), are approved by the United States Coast Guard to meet the first aid and CPR training requirements of 46 CFR 11.201(i)(1)(ii) and 46 CFR 11.201(i)(2)(iiI) for a merchant mariner credential.
Duration
16 hours
Age
16+ yrs
Tuition
$245 to $420
1 College Credits
- 1 Credits
Certifications
- CPR (on some courses)
- Wilderness First Aid
- Epinephrine Auto-injector
Start/End
Various
Fly In/Out
Various
Course Session Dates
Apr 4, 2026 - Apr 5, 2026
Sausalito, CA
TBA View Session
Apr 11, 2026 - Apr 12, 2026
Boulder, CO
TBA View Session
Apr 11, 2026 - Apr 12, 2026
Arcata, CA
TBA View Session
Apr 11, 2026 - Apr 12, 2026
Fort Collins, CO
$275 - $375 View Session
Apr 11, 2026 - Apr 12, 2026
Monona, WI
TBA View Session
Apr 11, 2026 - Apr 12, 2026
Grants Pass, OR
TBA View Session
Apr 11, 2026 - Apr 12, 2026
Bozeman, MT
TBA View Session
Apr 14, 2026 - Apr 15, 2026
Flagstaff, AZ
TBA View Session
Apr 18, 2026 - Apr 19, 2026
Sarver, PA
$325 View Session
Apr 18, 2026 - Apr 19, 2026
Chicago, IL
TBA View Session
Apr 24, 2026 - Apr 26, 2026
Flåm, NORWAY
TBA View Session
Apr 25, 2026 - Apr 26, 2026
Golden, CO
TBA View Session
Apr 25, 2026 - Apr 25, 2026
Flagstaff, AZ
TBA View Session
Apr 25, 2026 - Apr 26, 2026
Bozeman, MT
TBA View Session
May 2, 2026 - May 3, 2026
Norfolk, MA
$325 View Session
May 2, 2026 - May 3, 2026
Colorado Springs, CO
TBA View Session
May 2, 2026 - May 3, 2026
Albuquerque, NM
TBA View Session
May 2, 2026 - May 3, 2026
Chicago, IL
TBA View Session
May 4, 2026 - May 5, 2026
Bend, OR
TBA View Session
May 9, 2026 - May 10, 2026
Anchorage, AK
TBA View Session
May 9, 2026 - May 10, 2026
Stateline, NV
TBA View Session
May 9, 2026 - May 10, 2026
Monona, WI
TBA View Session
May 15, 2026 - May 16, 2026
Bailey, CO
TBA View Session
May 16, 2026 - May 17, 2026
Golden, CO
TBA View Session
Topics Covered
Patient Assessment System
Evacuation Plans and Emergency Procedures
CPR (on some courses)
Spinal Cord Injuries
Shock
Head Injuries
Wilderness Wound Management
Athletic Injuries
Fracture Management
Dislocations
Cold Injuries
Heat Illness
Altitude Illness
Lightning
The Medical Patient
Anaphylaxis
Wilderness First Aid Kits
Keep Your WFA Certification Current
How long does a WFA certification last?
A NOLS Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification is valid for 2 years. Make sure to retake the course every 2 years to keep your certification and skills up to date.
Recertifying Other Certifications
The WFA may also be used to recertify your Wilderness Advanced First Aid, Wilderness First Responder and the wilderness portion of your Wilderness EMT certification. If you’re using the WFA to recertify, you’ll need to pass both a written and a practical examination.
Financial aid & Scholarships
NOLS supports a variety of outside financial aid options:
- AmeriCorps
- 529 College Savings Plans
- Veteran's Benefits (In Wyoming only)
If you are fluent in American Sign Language or Signed Exact English, you may be eligible to receive a full scholarship to your wilderness medicine course.
