Wilderness First Aid (WFA)

Accidents happen. People get hurt, sick, or lost. The temperature drops, the wind picks up, and it starts to rain. Would you know what to do? Many backcountry emergencies are preventable, and even when bad things happen, sometimes the wrong care can make things worse. By learning a few basic skills, you can make the difference between a good outcome and a bad one—and maybe even save a life.

Wilderness First Aid (WFA) is SOLO’s most popular course and it creates a solid foundation in the basics of backcountry medical care. Started as the “Mountain/Woods First Aid” course in 1975, this was the first course of its kind in the United States, and it is the curriculum upon which all other backcountry medicine courses are based. (See the sidebar at right to find out about our Advanced Wilderness First Aid course.)

WHO IS THE WFA FOR?
The WFA is the perfect course for the outdoor enthusiast or trip leader who wants a basic level of first aid training for short trips with family, friends, and outdoor groups. It also meets the ACA guidelines.

WHAT IS TAUGHT?
The WFA is 16 hours long (two days), and focuses on the basic skills of: Response and Assessment, Musculoskeletal Injuries, Environmental Emergencies, Survival Skills, Soft Tissue Injuries, and Medical Emergencies—see course outline in sidebar.

WHERE AND WHEN IS IT HELD?
The WFA is held around the world throughout the year—click the
schedule link at the top of this page to go to our course calendar.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The total price will vary depending on the sponsoring organization and what amenities (e.g. room and board) they include. The Course Schedule may list the specific price for each course, or sponsor information will be provided. WFA courses taught at the SOLO campus cost $160 (tuition only).

WHAT ABOUT ROOM AND BOARD?
This is also up to the sponsoring organization.

IS THERE AN EXAM?
Yes, there is ongoing evaluation of practical skills, and there are written assessments throughout the course.

DO I GET CERTIFIED?
Yes. You will receive a SOLO WFA certification, which is good for two years.

DOES THE WFA COUNT AS CONTINUING EDUCATION?
The WFA may give continuing ed credits (depending on the specific requirements for your certification) and is approved for recertifying SOLO’s Wilderness First Responder program.

WFA COURSE TOPICS

Introduction

Anatomy of a Wilderness Crisis

Anatomy of the Musculoskeletal System

Asthma

Backcountry Essentials

Cold-Related Injuries

Environmental Emergencies & Survival Skills (including lightning)

Heat-Related Injuries

Medical Emergencies & Critical Care

Orthopedics

Patient Assessment System

Patient Lifting & Moving

Principles of Fracture Care

Rescue Plan

Response & Assessment

Soft Tissue Injuries & Medical Emergencies

Spinal Cord Injury Management

Sprains & Strains

Techniques

The Human Animal

Trauma—Musculoskeletal Injuries

Trauma—Soft Tissue Injuries

Universal Precautions

Use of Epinephrine

What is Wilderness First Aid?

Roll over this button to see a sample spread from the WFA textbook.

ADVANCED WILDERNESS FIRST AID (AWFA)

WHO IS THE AWFA COURSE FOR?
For anyone who wants more than Wilderness First Aid, but not as much as Wilderness First Responder, such as river guides.

WHAT IS TAUGHT?
Building on the WFA, the AWFA course goes into greater depth on the basic first aid subjects, emphasizes leadership skills, and presents new skills such as building improvised litters and litter carrying.

WHERE AND WHEN IS IT HELD?
Around the world throughout the year—click the schedule link at the top of the page to go to our course calendar.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The total price will vary depending on the sponsoring organization and what amenities (e.g. room and board) they include.

WHAT ABOUT ROOM AND BOARD?
This is up to the sponsoring organization. Click the course schedule link at the top of the page for more info on each course.

is there an exam?
Yes, there is ongoing evaluation of practical skills, and there is a written test at the end of the course.

DO I GET CERTIFIED?
Yes. You will receive a SOLO AWFA certification, which is good for two years.

DOES THE AWFA COUNT AS
CONTINUING EDUCATION?
It can be used to recertify SOLO’s or any other 72+-hour WFR certification.