WildMed
Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA)
The main focus of this course is the prolonged care and stabilization of patients until a rescue team or additional resources can be obtained to help with evacuation to a medical facility.
The course teaches a judgment-based approach to dealing with medical emergencies in a remote setting. Major components include learning to work with improvised equipment and learning to anticipate potential risks to the patient. Advanced medical techniques include anaphylaxis management, spine clearing, wound cleaning, and CPR cessation. Approved by Alberta Workplace Health and Safety as equivalent to Standard First Aid.
At a later date, graduates of this course may choose to take our four-day Bridge Course to upgrade to the Wilderness First Responder (80 hour) certification.
Details
Duration: 4 days (40 hours)
Format: A mix of classroom and outdoor sessions
Cost: $479
Pre-requisites:
- 18+ years of age (16-17 with parental permission)
- A high school education (or equivalent) is recommended (but not required) in order to master the required knowledge and skills.
Required Equipment:
- Notebook and pencil/pen
- Watch with a second-hand for taking vitals
- Indoor/outdoor clothing appropriate to the weather
- Footwear for rough terrain
FAQ
For more details about this course, including what to expect and how to prepare, please view our Wilderness Medicine FAQ.
Course Outline
Day 1:
- Registration & Introductions
- General Principles of Wilderness Medicine
- Infection Control
- Patient Assessment System
- Circulatory and Respiratory Systems
- Basic Life Support including CPR
Day 2:
- Quiz/Case Studies
- Nervous System
- Spine Management
- Musculoskeletal Injuries
- Lifting, Moving & Extrication
- Splints - Extremities
- Patient Assessment Drills
Day 3:
- Quiz/Case Studies
- Thermoregulation
- Toxins, Bites and Stings
- Lightning
- Elective Topics
- Wounds and Burns
- Allergies and Anaphylaxis
- Improvised Patient Carries
- Patient Assessment Drills
Day 4:
- Case Study Review
- Elective Topic
- Backcountry Medicine
- Medical and Legal Issues
- Patient Assessment Drills
- Simulations
- Final Exam
- Conclusion
Take Aways
- Wilderness Advanced First Aid Certification Card and Patch
- Adult CPR Certification
- Course Texts
