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Camera William Woodward

Wilderness First Aid

Duration

16 hours

Age

16+ yrs

Tuition

$195 to $510

See Dates

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. 

Links/Downloads

WFA Course Outline

COVID-19 Disclosure

COVID-19 Video

WFA Course Overview

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 meets the American Camp Association 2012 Standards and 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.

Course Dates

146 courses

Dates

Geolocation

Sausalito, CA
Ready SF

Dec 5, 2020 –
Dec 6, 2020

$245

Full, Waitlist Available Enroll Now

Hailey, ID
Idaho Rescue Training

Dec 5, 2020 –
Dec 6, 2020

$250

3 spaces Enroll Now

Vernon Hills, IL
REI Outdoor School

Dec 12, 2020 –
Dec 13, 2020

$245 to $275

Full, Waitlist Available Enroll Now

Phoenix, AZ
REI Outdoor School

Dec 12, 2020 –
Dec 13, 2020

$245 to $275

Full, Waitlist Available Enroll Now

Roswell, GA
REI Outdoor School

Jan 2, 2021 –
Jan 3, 2021

TBA

5 spaces Enroll Now

Del Mar, CA
REI Outdoor School

Jan 9, 2021 –
Jan 10, 2021

TBA

Full, Waitlist Available Enroll Now

Terlingua , TX
Far Flung Outdoor Center

Jan 11, 2021 –
Jan 12, 2021

$259

Full, Waitlist Available Enroll Now

Vernon Hills, IL
REI Outdoor School

Jan 16, 2021 –
Jan 17, 2021

TBA

4 spaces Enroll Now

Triangle, VA
REI Outdoor School

Jan 16, 2021 –
Jan 17, 2021

TBA

3 spaces Enroll Now

Ojai, CA
REI Outdoor School

Jan 23, 2021 –
Jan 24, 2021

TBA

Full, Waitlist Available Enroll Now

Portland, OR
REI Outdoor School

Jan 23, 2021 –
Jan 24, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Fort Snelling, MN
REI Outdoor School

Jan 23, 2021 –
Jan 24, 2021

TBA

Full, Waitlist Available Enroll Now

Brooklyn, NY
REI Outdoor School

Jan 23, 2021 –
Jan 24, 2021

TBA

4 spaces Enroll Now

Lynchburg, VA
Liberty University

Jan 30, 2021 –
Jan 31, 2021

$215 to $245

Enroll Now

Palo Alto, CA
REI Outdoor School

Jan 30, 2021 –
Jan 31, 2021

TBA

3 spaces Enroll Now

Ojai, CA
REI Outdoor School

Jan 30, 2021 –
Jan 31, 2021

TBA

Full, Waitlist Available Enroll Now

Lisle, IL
REI Outdoor School

Feb 6, 2021 –
Feb 7, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Tampa, FL
University of South Florida - Tampa

Feb 6, 2021 –
Feb 7, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Phoenix, AZ
REI Outdoor School

Feb 13, 2021 –
Feb 14, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Ventura, CA
REI Outdoor School

Feb 13, 2021 –
Feb 14, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Knoxville, TN
University of Tennessee at Knoxville

Feb 13, 2021 –
Feb 14, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Colorado Springs, CO
REI Outdoor School

Feb 13, 2021 –
Feb 14, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Triangle, VA
REI Outdoor School

Feb 13, 2021 –
Feb 14, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Rapid City, SD
Black Hills State University Outdoor Program

Feb 13, 2021 –
Feb 15, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Palo Alto, CA
REI Outdoor School

Feb 20, 2021 –
Feb 21, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Brooklyn, NY
REI Outdoor School

Feb 20, 2021 –
Feb 21, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Ashville, NC
Landmark Learning

Feb 27, 2021 –
Feb 28, 2021

$240

Enroll Now

Fort Collins, CO
REI Outdoor School

Feb 27, 2021 –
Feb 28, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Roswell, GA
REI Outdoor School

Feb 27, 2021 –
Feb 28, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Fort Snelling, MN
REI Outdoor School

Feb 27, 2021 –
Feb 28, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Chattanooga, TN
REI Outdoor School

Mar 6, 2021 –
Mar 7, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Bend, OR
Bend Park & Recreation District

Mar 6, 2021 –
Mar 7, 2021

$250

Enroll Now

Portland, OR
REI Outdoor School

Mar 6, 2021 –
Mar 7, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Arcata, CA
Humboldt State University Center

Mar 6, 2021 –
Mar 7, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Vernon Hills, IL
REI Outdoor School

Mar 6, 2021 –
Mar 7, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Santa Barbara, CA
REI Outdoor School

Mar 6, 2021 –
Mar 7, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Brooklyn, NY
REI Outdoor School

Mar 6, 2021 –
Mar 7, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Denver, CO
REI Outdoor School

Mar 6, 2021 –
Mar 7, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Phoenix, AZ
REI Outdoor School

Mar 13, 2021 –
Mar 14, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Harrisonburg, VA
Camp Horizons

Mar 13, 2021 –
Mar 14, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Knoxville, TN
Knoxville Adventure Center

Mar 13, 2021 –
Mar 14, 2021

$250

Enroll Now

Cumming, GA
REI Outdoor School

Mar 13, 2021 –
Mar 14, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

East Hanover, NJ
REI Outdoor School

Mar 20, 2021 –
Mar 21, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Denver, CO
REI Outdoor School

Mar 20, 2021 –
Mar 21, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Greenville, SC
North Greenville University

Mar 20, 2021 –
Mar 21, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Airway Heights, WA
Spokane County Fire District 10

Mar 20, 2021 –
Mar 21, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Fort Snelling, MN
REI Outdoor School

Mar 20, 2021 –
Mar 21, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Värmdö, Sweden
Crossing Latitudes

Mar 26, 2021 –
Mar 28, 2021

$510

Enroll Now

Parkton, MD
REI Outdoor School

Mar 27, 2021 –
Mar 28, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Cullowhee, NC
Landmark Learning

Mar 27, 2021 –
Mar 28, 2021

$260 to $290

Enroll Now

Lisle, IL
REI Outdoor School

Mar 27, 2021 –
Mar 28, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Sausalito, CA
Ready SF

Apr 3, 2021 –
Apr 4, 2021

$245

Enroll Now

Ventura, CA
REI Outdoor School

Apr 3, 2021 –
Apr 4, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Parkton, MD
REI Outdoor School

Apr 3, 2021 –
Apr 4, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Fort Snelling, MN
REI Outdoor School

Apr 10, 2021 –
Apr 11, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Denver, CO
Regis University

Apr 10, 2021 –
Apr 11, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Phillipsburg, PA
Brett Simpson

Apr 10, 2021 –
Apr 11, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Fort Collins, CO
REI Outdoor School

Apr 10, 2021 –
Apr 11, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Phoenix, AZ
REI Outdoor School

Apr 10, 2021 –
Apr 11, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Golden, CO
Bondi Outdoor Leadership

Apr 15, 2021 –
Apr 16, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Friluftsfrämjandet Veberöd, Sweden
Crossing Latitudes

Apr 16, 2021 –
Apr 18, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Centennial, CO
REI Outdoor School

Apr 17, 2021 –
Apr 18, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Bowling Green, KY
Western Kentucky University

Apr 17, 2021 –
Apr 18, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Madison, WI
Rutabaga Paddlesports

Apr 17, 2021 –
Apr 18, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Vernon Hills, IL
REI Outdoor School

Apr 17, 2021 –
Apr 18, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Boone, NC
Mountain Alliance

Apr 17, 2021 –
Apr 18, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Cullowhee, NC
Jackson County Parks and Recreation

Apr 24, 2021 –
Apr 25, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Moscow, TN
Pinecrest Camp

Apr 24, 2021 –
Apr 25, 2021

$240 to $260

Enroll Now

Blairstown, NJ
REI Outdoor School

Apr 24, 2021 –
Apr 25, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Fort Snelling, MN
REI Outdoor School

Apr 24, 2021 –
Apr 25, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Flåm, Norway
Crossing Latitudes

Apr 30, 2021 –
May 2, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Portland, OR
Post 58

May 1, 2021 –
May 2, 2021

$195 to $250

Enroll Now

Colorado Springs, CO
REI Outdoor School

May 1, 2021 –
May 2, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Flagstaff, AZ
Flagstaff Field Institute

May 1, 2021 –
May 2, 2021

$245

Enroll Now

Cumming, GA
REI Outdoor School

May 1, 2021 –
May 2, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Parkton, MD
REI Outdoor School

May 8, 2021 –
May 9, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Berkeley Hills, CA
REI Outdoor School

May 8, 2021 –
May 9, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Fort Snelling, MN
REI Outdoor School

May 8, 2021 –
May 9, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Ojai, CA
REI Outdoor School

May 15, 2021 –
May 16, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Berkeley, CA
Cal Adventures

May 15, 2021 –
May 16, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Fort Collins, CO
REI Outdoor School

May 15, 2021 –
May 16, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Hailey, ID
Idaho Rescue Training

May 15, 2021 –
May 16, 2021

$250

Enroll Now

Bozeman, MT
Crossing Latitudes

May 15, 2021 –
May 16, 2021

$270

Enroll Now

Dubois, WY
SOAR

May 20, 2021 –
May 21, 2021

$250

Enroll Now

Lake City, CO
Sky Ranch at Ute Trail, Inc

May 22, 2021 –
May 23, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Glencoe, IL
REI Outdoor School

May 22, 2021 –
May 23, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Sacramento, CA
REI Outdoor School

May 22, 2021 –
May 23, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Palo Alto, CA
REI Outdoor School

May 22, 2021 –
May 23, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

East Hanover, NJ
REI Outdoor School

May 22, 2021 –
May 23, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Los Angeles, CA
REI Outdoor School

May 22, 2021 –
May 23, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Roswell, GA
REI Outdoor School

May 22, 2021 –
May 23, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Granby, CO
Camp Chief Ouray

May 25, 2021 –
May 26, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Fort Snelling, MN
REI Outdoor School

May 29, 2021 –
May 30, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Denver, CO
REI Outdoor School

May 29, 2021 –
May 30, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Salt Lake City, UT
University of Utah

May 29, 2021 –
May 30, 2021

$280

Enroll Now

Golden, CO
Bondi Outdoor Leadership

Jun 3, 2021 –
Jun 4, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Bend, OR
Bend Park & Recreation District

Jun 5, 2021 –
Jun 6, 2021

$250

Enroll Now

Portland, OR
REI Outdoor School

Jun 5, 2021 –
Jun 6, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Fort Snelling, MN
REI Outdoor School

Jun 5, 2021 –
Jun 6, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Hailey, ID
Idaho Rescue Training

Jun 12, 2021 –
Jun 13, 2021

$250

Enroll Now

Palo Alto, CA
REI Outdoor School

Jun 12, 2021 –
Jun 13, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Denver, CO
REI Outdoor School

Jun 12, 2021 –
Jun 13, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Chevy Chase, MD
REI Outdoor School

Jun 12, 2021 –
Jun 13, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Fort Snelling, MN
REI Outdoor School

Jun 19, 2021 –
Jun 20, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Blairstown, NJ
REI Outdoor School

Jun 19, 2021 –
Jun 20, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Austin, TX
University of Texas at Austin

Jun 23, 2021 –
Jun 25, 2021

$325

Enroll Now

Berkeley Hills, CA
REI Outdoor School

Jun 26, 2021 –
Jun 27, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Kamas, UT
Idaho Rescue Training

Jun 26, 2021 –
Jun 27, 2021

$250

Enroll Now

Roswell, GA
REI Outdoor School

Jun 26, 2021 –
Jun 27, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Glencoe, IL
REI Outdoor School

Jun 26, 2021 –
Jun 27, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Denver, CO
REI Outdoor School

Jun 26, 2021 –
Jun 27, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Fort Collins, CO
REI Outdoor School

Jul 10, 2021 –
Jul 11, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Palo Alto, CA
REI Outdoor School

Jul 10, 2021 –
Jul 11, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Fort Snelling, MN
REI Outdoor School

Jul 17, 2021 –
Jul 18, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Glencoe, IL
REI Outdoor School

Jul 20, 2021 –
Jul 21, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Denver, CO
REI Outdoor School

Jul 24, 2021 –
Jul 25, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

East Hanover, NJ
REI Outdoor School

Jul 24, 2021 –
Jul 25, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Berkeley Hills, CA
REI Outdoor School

Jul 24, 2021 –
Jul 25, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Denver, CO
REI Outdoor School

Aug 7, 2021 –
Aug 8, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Blairstown, NJ
REI Outdoor School

Aug 7, 2021 –
Aug 8, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Boise, ID
Idaho Rescue Training

Aug 14, 2021 –
Aug 15, 2021

$250

Enroll Now

Denver, CO
REI Outdoor School

Aug 21, 2021 –
Aug 22, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Berkeley Hills, CA
REI Outdoor School

Aug 21, 2021 –
Aug 22, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Chevy Chase, MD
REI Outdoor School

Sep 11, 2021 –
Sep 12, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Ojai, CA
REI Outdoor School

Sep 11, 2021 –
Sep 12, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Fort Snelling, MN
REI Outdoor School

Sep 11, 2021 –
Sep 12, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Berkeley Hills, CA
REI Outdoor School

Sep 18, 2021 –
Sep 19, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Vernon Hills, IL
REI Outdoor School

Sep 18, 2021 –
Sep 19, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Flagstaff, AZ
Flagstaff Field Institute

Sep 25, 2021 –
Sep 26, 2021

$245

Enroll Now

Blairstown, NJ
REI Outdoor School

Sep 25, 2021 –
Sep 26, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Cumming, GA
REI Outdoor School

Oct 2, 2021 –
Oct 3, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Fort Snelling, MN
REI Outdoor School

Oct 2, 2021 –
Oct 3, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Peekskill, NY
REI Outdoor School

Oct 2, 2021 –
Oct 3, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

New York, NY
REI Outdoor School

Oct 16, 2021 –
Oct 17, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Palo Alto, CA
REI Outdoor School

Oct 16, 2021 –
Oct 17, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Phoenix, AZ
REI Outdoor School

Oct 23, 2021 –
Oct 24, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Parkton, MD
REI Outdoor School

Oct 23, 2021 –
Oct 24, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Fort Snelling, MN
REI Outdoor School

Oct 30, 2021 –
Oct 31, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

New York, NY
REI Outdoor School

Nov 6, 2021 –
Nov 7, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Santa Barbara, CA
REI Outdoor School

Nov 6, 2021 –
Nov 7, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Chattanooga, TN
REI Outdoor School

Nov 6, 2021 –
Nov 7, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

East Hanover, NJ
REI Outdoor School

Nov 20, 2021 –
Nov 21, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Chevy Chase, MD
REI Outdoor School

Nov 20, 2021 –
Nov 21, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

East Hanover, NJ
REI Outdoor School

Nov 20, 2021 –
Nov 21, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Hailey, ID
Idaho Rescue Training

Dec 4, 2021 –
Dec 5, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

Phoenix, AZ
REI Outdoor School

Dec 11, 2021 –
Dec 12, 2021

TBA

Enroll Now

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
Curriculum details

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. 

 

"The staff was excellent, very knowledgeable, professional, and personable...with good communication skills. Handled and answered our questions well. The course gave real life examples of how to handle injuries in the wilderness."

Keep Your Certification Current

To keep up on your WFA certification, retake the course after two years.

 

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.