Knowing how to react in a stressful situation is valuable in any career or life path. Add in potentially life-threatening injuries, hazardous weather conditions, and being hours away from the nearest hospital and knowing how to react, providing initial treatment and continuing care for someone can save a life.

That’s where a Wilderness Advanced First Aid certification comes in handy. Whether you are an aspiring outdoor professional or enjoy spending your free time deep in the backwoods, the knowledge, skills, and training that you will earn on this course are vital to successful and enjoyable wilderness excursions in any capacity. While not as rigorous as a Wilderness First Responder course, WAFA provides the essential skills you need before heading out on your next great adventure.

Our students, on courses such as River to Sea Leadership Semester, learn these skills first hand as they earn their WAFA certifications.

Who takes the Wilderness Advanced First Aid Course?

Wilderness guides, expedition leaders, outdoor instructors, avid backcountry travelers, or anyone who may need more training than is offered in a standard First Aid or Wilderness First Aid course will benefit from a WAFA certification. Participants bust be at least 16 years old and no previous first aid training is required.

What topics are covered in a WAFA course?

While most standard first aid courses are oriented towards urban environments, a WAFA course will teach you how to manage medical emergencies when hospitals and rescue services may not be available for an extensive time period. Students will train to handle emergency situations that involve prolonged patient care, severe environments, and improvised equipment. Course techniques include case studies, assessment drills, and simulations that will teach students to stabilize, treat and evacuate patients in backcountry environments with an emphasis on long term patient care management and specific injury evaluation.

How long does it take to become WAFA certified?

Successful completion of 36-40 hours is required to earn your WAFA certification. In most courses, this is typically scheduled over 4-5 days. Learning takes place both in the classroom and in outdoor settings regardless of weather conditions.

How long is a WAFA certification valid?

The WAFA certification is valid for 3 years. It can be renewed by taking the course again or taking an open recertification course, but many students may opt to upgrade to a WFR certification through a Bridge WAFA to WFR course.