Police Officers carrying a patient into a hospital room as a team

Era Aranow

Wilderness Advanced First Aid Certification

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Tuition

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If you travel or work in remote areas and need more extensive training than a Wilderness First Aid course, our Wilderness Advanced First Aid course is the perfect choice!

Learn to stabilize, treat, and make evacuation decisions for patients in backcountry environments, with an emphasis on long term patient care management and specific injury evaluation. In addition to plenty of time practicing skills and engaging in scenarios, you'll work in small teams and practice leadership.

You'll learn both in the classroom and in outdoor settings regardless of weather, so come prepared for wet, muddy, cold or hot environments!

Course Policies
Please review our policies including cancellation policies, attendance requirements, minimum age requirements, and more.

PLEASE READ: Important Course Information

WAFA Course Outline

Communicable Disease Practices

WAFA Course Overview

Student Agreement

Additional Details

Continuing Education (Learn More)
This course is pre-approved for 32 hours of EMT Continuing Education Hours by the Commission on Accreditation of Pre-Hospital Continuing Education (CAPCE).

Academic Credit (Learn more)
This course is approved for 1 college credit through Western State Colorado University.

Course Approval
This course is recognized by the American Camp Association to meet specific ACA standards requiring certifications. The course meets the Boy Scouts of America Wilderness First Aid training requirements. Additionally, the Wilderness First Aid course (WILDMI-554), and when included the CPR/AED course (WILDMI-134), are approved by the United States Coast Guard to meet the first aid and CPR training requirements of 46 CFR 11.201(i)(1)(ii) and 46 CFR 11.201(i)(2)(iiI) for a merchant mariner credential.

Duration

Age

Tuition

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Course Dates

2 courses

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Backcountry Brasil

Dec 14, 2024 –
Dec 18, 2024

$350

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STF Abisko Turiststation, Abisko, Sweden
Crossing Latitudes

May 26, 2025 –
May 31, 2025

$950

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Topics Covered

Patient Assessment System
Documentation
Medical Legal
CPR
Spinal Cord Injuries
Long-term Patient Care
Chest Injuries
Shock
Head Injuries
Wilderness Wound Management
Athletic Injuries
Fracture Management
Dislocations
Cold Injuries
Heat Illness
Altitude Illness
Cardiac, Respiratory and Neurological Emergencies
Abdominal Emergencies
Bites, Stings and Poisoning
Allergies and Anaphylaxis
Lightning
Submersion
Urinary and Reproductive System Issues
Common Wilderness Medical Problems
Wilderness Drug and First Aid Kits

Curriculum details

Financial Aid & Scholarships

NOLS supports a variety of outside financial aid options:

AmeriCorps
529 College Savings Plans
Veteran's Benefits (In Wyoming only)

If you are fluent in American Sign Language or Signed Exact English, you may be eligible to receive a full scholarship to your wilderness medicine course.

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“The scenarios were definitely the highlight of this course for me. They really challenge you. They were also very helpful because they prepare you for a real situation. All the practice gave me confidence to act in a first aid situation.”

- WAFA grad, New Summit Academy, Atenas, Costa Rica

Credit: Nick Hall

Keep Your Certification Current

What is the difference between Advanced First Aid and Wilderness Advanced First Aid?

Advanced First Aid is a higher level of medical training that goes beyond basic first aid, offering comprehensive instruction in patient assessment, CPR, spinal cord injuries, wound management, fractures, and cold and heat-related illnesses, among other critical topics.

The Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA) certification, in particular, offers more comprehensive and in-depth training than basic Wilderness First Aid, specifically designed for individuals who travel or work in remote areas, equipping them with the skills to stabilize, treat, and make critical evacuation decisions in environments where medical facilities are not easily accessible.

Recertifying the WAFA

Keep up on your Wilderness Advanced First Aid certification by taking our Wilderness First Responder Recertification course, a Wilderness First Aid course, or by retaking this course.

Recertifying Other Certifications

This course is an option for you to recertify your Wilderness First Responder certification and the wilderness portion of your WEMT certification. If you are taking this course to recertify, you'll need to pass both a written and a practical exam.

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