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. 

Tickets

The ticket price includes camping in the Group camp section of the preserve Friday and Saturday night, as well as dinner Friday, lunch Saturday, and Sunday. The lecture portion of the class will be held in an indoor building.

Registration w/Digital Book-$225.

This ticket price includes admission to the Basic Wilderness First Aid class, with a digital copy of the book "Wilderness First Aid: Emergency Care in Remote Locations Navigate 2ebook, 5th Edition. ISBN 9781284591392. A link with the downloaded material will be sent to you after registering. Also included is camping at the group campsite Friday and Saturday, as well as lunch Saturday and Sunday.

Registration-Softcover Book-$225.

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. Camping at the group campsite Friday and Saturday are also included, as well as lunch Saturday and Sunday.

Included Materials

All teaching materials will be provided and are included in your registration fee with either the Digital Download or Softcover book option. You will receive the "Wilderness First Aid: Emergency Care in Remote Locations" book either electronically or softcover.

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

If you are unable to attend the class, you will have one opportunity to reschedule within the same calendar year. No refunds will be issued for cancellations 14 days or less from the date of the event. All other cancellations are subject to a 50% service fee. A refund will be issued in the form of a check, or the original payment method. Please allow 5-7 business days for processing, we will notify you when the refund has been issued. 

True North Expeditions, Inc. reserves the right to substitute the events listed in the description above in the event of inclement weather, availability, or other uncontrollable events. 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. 

(Proof of full vaccination, OR a negative COVID test 48 hours prior to the event will be required to attend this event).