Wilderness First Aid (WFA)

Venture Out offers a two-day Wilderness First Aid (WFA) training each year in January. People involved in outdoor activities (canoeing, backpacking, caving, hunting, fishing, rock climbing) or who plan to pursue an outdoor career should strongly consider this exceptional leadership opportunity. This course is open to all people of all ages and all experience levels, including MU students, high school students, boy and girl scout leaders, parents, teachers, medical professionals, and all other community members.

Wilderness First Responder student puts a splint on a leg during the 2015 WFR night rescue simulation.

This course is taught by an instructor from SOLO Wilderness Medicine. This 16-hour program covers topics ranging from preparation and prevention to assessment and treatment. Classroom lectures and discussions are supplemented by practical work and problem-solving exercises. The emphasis is always on hands-on experience and rescue scenarios. This WFA course can also be taken to re-certify those currently holding a WFR certification.

****** Registration for Wilderness First Aid/First Responder is open now! We will be promoting WFR/WFA registration on our social media platforms (Instagram and Facebook). Follow us to keep track of Venture Out’s program offerings! 

Confirmed 2024 WFA dates: Saturday, January 13 & Sunday January 14

Our WFR/WFA courses take place in January (dates to be determined). Our website will be updated once details have been finalized. ******

WFA Offering

WFA Outline

  1. Response and Assessment
    • The Anatomy of a Wilderness Crisis
    • Universal Precautions
    • Patient Assessment System
    • Rescue Plan
    • Patient Lifting & Moving Techniques
  2. Orthopedics: Trauma – Musculoskeletal Injuries
    • Anatomy of the Musculoskeletal System
    • Sprains and Strains
    • Principles of Fracture Care
    • Spinal Cord Injury Management
  3. Environmental Emergencies & Survival Skills
    • The Human Animal
    • Cold Related Injuries
    • Heat Related Injuries
    • Backcountry Essentials
  4. Soft Tissue Injuries & Medical Emergencies
    • Trauma – Soft Tissue Injuries
    • Soft Tissue Injuries & Wound Management
    • Bandaging Skills
    • Medical Emergencies & Critical Care
    • Shock
    • Change in Level of Consciousness
    • Shortness of Breath
    • Chest Pain