Outdoor Adventure Medicine Institute

Class Enrollment

Class Registration
American Red Cross: Wilderness & Remote First Aid
Date/Time: Call to schedule
Location: Call to schedule
Class Price: $250.00

The American Red Cross Wilderness and Remote First Aid (WRFA) class is a 16 hour course designed to provide participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to respond to medical emergencies in remote or wilderness settings where professional medical help may not be readily available. This course is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, wilderness guides, scout leaders, camp counselors, and anyone else who may find themselves in situations where they need to provide first aid in remote environments.

The curriculum typically covers a wide range of topics related to wilderness first aid, including:

  1. Patient Assessment: Participants learn how to assess the scene of an emergency and evaluate the condition of the patient(s) using the ABCDE approach (Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure).

  2. CPR and AED: Basic CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) techniques are taught, along with the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in wilderness settings.

  3. Treatment of Traumatic Injuries: Participants learn how to treat common traumatic injuries such as cuts, burns, fractures, sprains, strains, and head injuries using improvised materials when necessary.

  4. Treatment of Medical Emergencies: The course covers the recognition and treatment of medical emergencies such as allergic reactions, asthma attacks, diabetic emergencies, seizures, and heat-related illnesses.

  5. Environmental Emergencies: Participants learn how to recognize and treat environmental emergencies such as hypothermia, hyperthermia (heat exhaustion and heatstroke), frostbite, and dehydration.

  6. Wilderness Survival Skills: Basic wilderness survival skills may also be covered, including shelter building, navigation, and signaling for help.

  7. Evacuation and Rescue: Participants learn how to plan and execute an evacuation or rescue in a wilderness setting, including the use of improvised stretchers and carrying techniques.

  8. Legal and Ethical Considerations: The course may also touch upon legal and ethical considerations related to providing first aid in remote environments, including consent, Good Samaritan laws, and documentation of care.

The curriculum is typically delivered through a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on skills practice, and scenario-based simulations to ensure participants are well-prepared to respond to emergencies in real-world situations.

It's important to note that the specific curriculum and course structure may vary slightly depending on the instructor and training provider. Participants who successfully complete the course will receive certification in Wilderness and Remote First Aid from the American Red Cross, which is typically valid for two years before requiring renewal through a refresher course.