Our NASAR Wilderness First Aid course is an intensive and comprehensive training program designed to equip outdoor enthusiasts, wilderness guides, and recreational professionals with the advanced skills and knowledge necessary to respond effectively to medical emergencies in remote and wilderness settings. This comprehensive 16-20 hour course covers a wide range of topics in wilderness medicine, including patient assessment, trauma and medical management, environmental considerations, and emergency evacuation procedures. Through interactive instruction, hands-on practice, and scenario-based learning, participants will gain the confidence and competence to assess and stabilize patients, manage injuries and illnesses, and make informed decisions in challenging outdoor environments.

Course Highlights:

• Patient Assessment: Learn advanced patient assessment techniques tailored for wilderness environments, including comprehensive primary and secondary surveys, vital signs assessment, and identification of life-threatening injuries and illnesses.

• Trauma Management: Develop proficiency in managing traumatic injuries commonly encountered in wilderness settings, including cuts, scrapes, sprains, fractures, dislocations, burns, and penetrating injuries.

• Medical Emergencies: Understand the recognition and initial management of medical emergencies in the wilderness, including cardiac emergencies, respiratory distress, allergic reactions, diabetic emergencies, and neurological conditions.

• Environmental Considerations: Gain in-depth knowledge of environmental hazards and risks in the wilderness, including hypothermia, hyperthermia, altitude sickness, lightning strikes, wildlife encounters, and water-related emergencies, and learn advanced strategies for prevention and management.

• Wound Care and Infection Control: Learn advanced wound care techniques, including wound irrigation, wound closure, and infection prevention, and understand the principles of infection control in remote environments.

• Emergency Evacuation: Master wilderness evacuation techniques, including patient packaging, improvised stretcher construction, and coordination with rescue personnel and resources, to facilitate safe and timely evacuation of injured individuals.

• Hands-On Practice: Engage in extensive hands-on skills practice sessions using realistic wilderness scenarios and wilderness first aid equipment to reinforce skills and build confidence in managing complex outdoor medical emergencies.

Target Audience:

• Outdoor enthusiasts
• Wilderness guides
• Recreational professionals
• Scout leaders
• Backpackers and hikers
• Adventure trip leaders

Certification:

Upon successful completion of the Wilderness First Aid course, participants will receive certification from the National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR), recognizing their advanced proficiency in providing first aid in remote and wilderness settings.

Duration:

The Wilderness First Aid course is a 16-20 hour program, typically delivered over two to three days, providing intensive training in advanced wilderness medicine skills.

Outcome:

Participants who complete the Wilderness First Aid course will be equipped with advanced knowledge and skills necessary to respond effectively to medical emergencies in remote and wilderness environments. By investing in this specialized training, outdoor enthusiasts and recreational professionals contribute to creating safer outdoor experiences and fostering a culture of preparedness and self-reliance in wilderness settings.