Wilderness First Aid

Participants will learn comprehensive first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills, as well as skills required to plan, prevent injury and promote safety for themselves and peers while in a wilderness or remote workplace or community. Instruction will focus on developing leadership skills, assessment, decision-making skills, and strategies for providing extended care for up to 24 hours. Prevention, health and wellness of the group is a key focus. Part of the course is taught in an outdoor setting and requires greater physical activity and endurance than typical first aid training.

Duration

  • 40 hours

Audience

  • Designed for individuals who work in a wilderness setting (3 or more hours from organized health care) with challenging environments and/or varied risk levels and require skills to promote safety for themselves and peers (leading groups in a professional capacity). Suitable for those who wish to become professional guides, parks officials and/or work in fields such as recreation and ecotourism.

Prerequisites

  • Participants must be 16 years of age and in good health and physical condition.

Completion Criteria

  • Ability to comprehend and successfully demonstrate the skills 
  • Ability to complete a written, closed book knowledge evaluation with a minimum mark of 75%
  • Must meet additional legislative requirements, if applicable
  • Participants must attend and participate in 100% of the course

Certification

  • 3-year certification in Wilderness First Aid & CPR C (digital certificate issued upon successful completion).

Recertification

  • 16–20 hours of teaching time
  • Proof of current recognized Wilderness First Aid or Advanced Wilderness First Aid certification (or as legislation dictates) required.
  • Must have access to the most current CRC Wilderness First Aid participant materials

Course Content

  • Planning and assessment
  • Choking
  • Breathing and circulation emergencies
  • CPR and AED
  • Wound care
  • Head, neck, and spinal injuries
  • Bone, muscle and join injuries
  • Sudden medical emergencies
  • Environmental injuries and illnesses 
  • Poisons and wildlife
  • Extended care and evacuation
  • Occupational health and safety

Participant Materials

  • Wilderness & Remote Field Guide
  • Trip Plan
  • Canadian Red Cross First Aid App