Be prepared when help is miles away. Our 16-Hour Wilderness First Aid (WFA) Course is designed to give outdoor enthusiasts, campers, hikers, hunters, anglers, bushcrafters, guides, and preparedness-minded individuals the knowledge and confidence to respond to medical emergencies in remote environments. Whether you're spending a weekend in the woods or leading others on outdoor adventures, this hands-on course teaches practical skills to assess patients, provide basic treatment, and manage injuries and illnesses until professional help arrives. No medical background is required. Through a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on skill practice, realistic emergency scenarios, and skill evaluations, students will learn how to make informed decisions when emergency services are delayed or unavailable. Course Details Location: Ringtown, PA Duration: 16 hours over 2 days Prerequisites: None — no medical background required What to Bring: Nothing — all materials and equipment are provided What You'll Learn Response & Assessment Patient assessment and emergency decision-making Anatomy of a crisis SOAP note documentation Patient lifting and moving techniques Shock recognition and management Musculoskeletal Injuries Sprains, strains, and fractures Splinting and stabilization techniques Spinal injury management Environmental Emergencies Hypothermia and frostbite Heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and dehydration Lightning injuries Bites and stings Drowning emergencies Wilderness survival and emergency bivouac considerations Soft Tissue Injuries Bleeding control Wound cleaning and bandaging Burn treatment Infection prevention and management Medical Emergencies Altered levels of consciousness Breathing emergencies Asthma and allergic reactions Heart attack recognition and response Course Format This certification course uses a four-part training approach: Classroom Instruction – Clear, instructor-led presentations and demonstrations. Hands-On Practice – Repetition-based skill development in pairs and small groups. Realistic Scenarios – Mock emergencies designed to build confidence and decision-making under pressure. Skills Evaluation – Practical testing and group scenarios to reinforce learning. Who Should Attend? This course is ideal for: Campers and backpackers Hunters and anglers Bushcrafters and survival enthusiasts Outdoor educators and trip leaders Search and rescue volunteers Camp staff and counselors Park and conservation personnel Families and caregivers Anyone who spends time where emergency medical response may be delayed When emergencies happen in the backcountry, knowledge and preparation matter. Join us for two days of hands-on training and leave with practical skills that could make a difference when every minute counts.
