Wilderness Advanced First Aid - Overview

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Sponsored by the Northwest Service Academy and the Wilderness Medical Institute (WMI) of the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS).   DATES: TBA     COST:               LOCATION: Trout Lake, Washington

Whether you find yourself on the river or in the mountains, this course is designed for anyone who might have to spend an unexpected night out in the backcountry with an injured patient. The five-day Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA) curriculum emphasizes long-term care and includes more practice time than an introductory level Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course, making it the perfect option for guides who need more extensive training.

You'll receive the best education available based on the most updated wilderness medicine curriculum delivered to you in an intensive hands-on format. Be confident in making treatment and evacuation decisions for your clients, friends or family members. This course is ideal for river guides, outfitters and camp staff who lead trips. The WAFA course is pre-approved for 32 hours of EMT CEU’s by CECBEMS.

Upon successful completion of practical and written exams you will receive a two-year WMI of NOLS Wilderness Advanced First Aid certification and a two-year CPR certification. 

This is not your average classroom course. At least half of the five-day course is spent in field scenarios designed to be realistic and test your abilities to react in the moment of need. You will be better prepared for medical emergencies that occur beyond the range of immediate 9-1-1 response. The 40 hour curriculum is comprehensive, well designed and delivered by the best in the field. A two-year Adult Heartsaver CPR certification is included in this course as well.

  

Course Outline

Day 1 Introduction Patient Assessment System Initial Assessment Patient Exam/Vital Signs/History Documentation Scenario Heartsaver	Day 2 Scenario Chest Injuries Head Injuries Spinal Cord Injury Management Backboarding/Litter Packaging and Carrying Shock Wilderness Wounds, Burns and Infection	Day 3 Common Simple Problems Athletic Injuries Fracture Management Traction Splinting Dislocations Cold Injuries Heat and Hydration
Day 4 Scenario Lightning Submersion Incidents Altitude Illness Bites, Stings and Anaphylaxis Abdominal Emergencies Unconscious Patients Cardiac Emergencies Respiratory Emergencies	Day 5 Scenarios Common Simple Problems Wilderness Drug and First Aid Kits Written and Practical Testing Closing