Wilderness First Aid (16 hour BSA)

The Wilderness First Aid course is intended to provide outdoor enthusiasts with an overview of medical assessments, treatment and is intended to teach basic life support skills that could save lives or prevent an injury or medical condition from getting worse. This course is also ideal for scouting and youth program leaders, teachers leading school trips, backcountry guides, canoe & rafting trip guides, private expedition groups, college/university outdoor education programs, hiking club trip leaders, wilderness therapeutic programs, and adventure race safety personnel.

 This course is presented by True North Expeditions instructors who are professional, medically licensed in the state of Illinois as paramedics or EMT-Bs, have over 80 years of combined experience in prehospital medical care, emergency preparedness, and who have served on specialty rescue teams with career fire departments in the Chicagoland area.

Upon successful completion, students will receive certification in Wilderness First Aid.  This comprehensive 16-hour wilderness first aid course meets or exceeds the Boy Scouts of America Wilderness First Aid Curriculum and Doctrine Guidelines, 2017 Edition.

If you plan on camping at Meramec State Park you will have to make camping reservations using this link.  

Tickets

Admission-$160

This ticket price includes admission to the Basic Wilderness First Aid class, with a softcover copy of the book "Wilderness First Aid: Emergency Care in Remote Locations 5th Edition. ISBN 9781284147681. If you plan on camping at Meramec State Park you will have to make camping reservations using this link.  You will be responsible for providing your own meals.

Included Materials

All teaching materials will be provided and are included in your registration fee. You will receive a softcover "Wilderness First Aid: Emergency Care in Remote Locations" book.

Prerequisites

-Must be at least 16 years old to participate in this course. Those under 18 years of age require the written consent of a parent or guardian. 

-Current CPR/AED card.

Evaluation

Successful completion with certification is based on 100% attendance, satisfactory performance on homework assignments and written quizzes, demonstrated proficiency with practical skills, and a successful grade on a final written exam. 

Recertification

Certifications are valid for three years. Students should retake the WFA course or consider upgrading to the Wilderness Advanced First Aid and or Wilderness First Responder. 

Course topics 

• First Aid Kit selection

• Protecting Yourself

• Legal Considerations

• Moving and Lifting Injured or Sick patients

• Scene/Initial Assessment

• Focused Assessment

• Shock

• Control of Bleeding

• Major Wounds

• Facial Injuries

• Minor Wounds

• Cleaning, Closing, and Dressing Wounds

• Burns

• Head, Neck, or Back Injuries

• Musculoskeletal Injuries

• Extended Injury Management

• Moving and Lifting Injured patients

• Shortness of Breath

• Abdominal Problems

•Chest Pain, Pressure, and Discomfort

• Poisoning

• Bites and Stings

• Heat & Cold Emergencies

• Submersion (Drowning)

• Lightning Strikes

• Altitude Illnesses

• Emotional Considerations

• Protection from the Elements

• Water and Food

Cancellations/Refunds

Cancellations are subject to a $40 service fee. Refunds may be issued in the form of a check. Please allow 5-7 business days for processing, we will notify you when the refund has been issued. We ask that guests refrain from bringing alcohol, illegal drugs, or weapons of any kind (excluding a pocket knife for use on the trail). Additional information will be emailed to you after registering. Additional information will be emailed to you after registering.