Wilderness First Aid & Medicine Courses

The big difference between wilderness first aid (WFA) and standard first aid is that in the wilderness, you have limited resources and people, and help may be hours or even days away. WFA gives you a higher level of competence. It prepares you to take care of injuries longer term, improvise with the gear and supplies you have, and deal with different environmental and weather issues.

The goal of standard first aid is to stabilize someone for a short period, until emergency services arrive. WFA covers you when you can’t call 911.

There isn't really a difference between remote first aid and wilderness first aid. Often these 2 terms are used interchangeably. Remote first aid is the term used by Red Cross courses. Because course providers use different names, and not all course are the same, there may be minor differences in the curriculum covered.

Yes, if you spend time in the backcountry, wilderness first aid training is absolutely worth it.

• The training is hands-on and in realistic outdoor environments. You’ll gain practical knowledge, experience, and confidence.
• Standard first aid training isn’t enough if you’re in the wilderness. If help is hours away (sometimes days) and you have limited resources, the medical care is very different from simply stabilizing someone until emergency medical services arrive.

Wilderness First Responder is professional-level training that’s often a requirement for those who work in remote environments––people like outdoor educators, guides, advanced recreationalist, instructors, and search and rescue. The WFR training is:

• 80 hours compared to 20 for Wilderness First Aid
• More in-depth medical assessment and a broader range of techniques you'll be certified to perform
• More practice with all the skills, including realistic scenarios which develop your ability to perform under pressure
• Covers things like leadership skills, decision-making, and evacuation planning

The wilderness first aid certification is valid for 3 years from the date it’s issued. Before your certification has expired, take a WFR Recertification course.

WFA certification gives you the skills and confidence to handle medical situations when you’re far from immediate help. It helps you:

• manage injuries
• improvise care
• make informed evacuation decisions

Your outdoor trips will be safer and more self-reliant. This training can help you gain work as an outdoor professional, camp leader, or guide.

The wilderness first responder course is challenging, for a number of reasons.

• It’s 80 hours spread over 8 days. Those are long days filled with both mental and physical challenges.
• You’re learning a lot, it’s hands-on, and little time to process. Folks say one of the biggest challenges is the decision making in a time of crisis.
• Your skills and knowledge will be tested. There is a written test at the end and practical assessments throughout the training.

There is required pre-course work for Wilderness First Aid (WFA).

Once you register, you’ll be sent a link to our online learning platform. Budget 12+ hours to read the course material and answer questions in an online Study Guide. The course uses Wilderness and Rescue Medicine 8th Edition, by Jeff Isaac.

There are specific checklists for each of the wilderness medicine courses we offer. The necessities fall into a few categories:

• Equipment and supplies, e.g. eye protection, notebooks, waterproof packs, headlamp, bug repellent
• Clothing appropriate for the season and the terrain. You’ll be outdoors for the whole day. And you’ll need extra toques, mitts, socks, and footwear.
• Lots of snacks! Always lots of snacks.

Each course is slightly different, so be sure to follow the checklist you’re provided.

Yes, all of Boreal River Rescue's wilderness first aid and medicine courses are certified by Wilderness Medical Associated International. WMA has set the international standard since 1982.