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Wilderness First Aid (WFA) Certification

To register for the next
Wilderness First Aid
Clinic click here

Sometimes calling 911 is not an option!
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In a matter of a few hours, your 4-wheel drive vehicle can take you far into the outback. So far in fact that calling 911 is not an option. And in the event, you do reach 911, it may be hours before anyone can reach you - not the 3 to 10 minutes we normally expect in the urban environment. In this situation, you need to rely on your own first aid skills learned in the Wilderness First Aid (WFA) class.

The Wilderness First Aid clinic will provide you with skills, knowledge and training to handle life threatening medical emergencies and allows you to be better prepared to protect your family in an emergency.

The class uses very realistic simualtions.
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Wilderness First Aid is a two day introduction to general medical concepts and Basic Life Support skills. It’s targeted to the outdoor enthusiast on day trips or short adventures. Taught by professional instructors with significant patient care and backcountry experience.

Course materials include the Outward Bound Wilderness First Aid text written by Jeff Isaac, WMA fold-out field guide, and WMA patient SOAP notes.

Certification is valid for three years.
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Wilderness Medicine differs significantly from standard Red Cross courses and other programs that are oriented toward the urban environment. This course teaches what to do with a medical emergency when help is miles away and calling 911 isn’t an option.

Students are prepared for emergency situations that involve prolonged patient care, severe environments and improvised equipment. The WFA clinic includes specific training and certification in Adult CPR and Anaphylaxis management.

Successful completion with certification is based on 100% attendance and a grade of 80% or better on final written exam. All students who successfully complete the Wilderness First Aid course will receive a Wilderness Medical Associates’ WFA certification card, and if applicable, Anaphylaxis and Adult CPR certifications cards. These certifications are valid for three years.

Students must be at least sixteen years old to participate in this course. Those under eighteen years of age will require the written consent of a parent or guardian.

Syllabus:

Day 1: 8 hours - Registration, Introduction; Patient Assessment System; CPR; Circulatory System; Nervous System; Respiratory System; Fractures, Stable Injuries; Splints 1-Extremities; Electives
Day 2: 8 hours - Hypothermia; Hyperthermia and Heat Illness; Near Drowning; Lightning Injuries; Wounds and Burns; Anaphylaxis; Lifting, Moving Extrication; Patient Carries; Backcountry Medicine

Badlands Off-Road Adventures is the sponsor of this class. We engage professional medical instructors from Wilderness Medical Associates, the certifying agency.

Lots of practice!
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Qualifications:

You must be at least 18 years of age on the first day of the course. If you are under 18 years of age but at least 16 years of age on the first day of the course, written proof of parental consent must be provided by the first day of the course. Generally, a high school education or equivalent is necessary to master the knowledge and skills required of wilderness medicine providers.
1. You must be able to communicate orally via radio and telephone.
2. You must have the ability to interpret written, oral, and diagnostic form instructions.
3. You must have the ability to read English language manuals, road maps, and road signs.
4. You must have the ability to calculate medication dosages based on body weight/mass.
5. You must have the ability to interview patients, family members, and bystanders.
6. You must have the ability to document all relevant information in the prescribed format.
7. You must have the ability to converse in English with co-workers and other rescue personnel.
8. You must be able to perform the physical and diagnostic skills required for the level of certification.
You must have the ability to assist in lifting, carrying and balancing a person weighing up to 300 pounds (136 kilograms). You must posses good manual dexterity, with the ability to perform all tasks related to the highest quality patient care. You must have the ability to access another person on uneven terrain; to work in confined spaces; and to withstand extreme environmental conditions.
You must have the ability to use good judgment and remain calm in high stress situations.
You must successfully complete both written exams and practical skills performance and testing conducted by Wilderness Medical Associates.

Location / Lodging :

The class is held at the Hungry Valley State Recreation Area near Gorman, CA. There is a Studio 6 in Gorman, CA. There are a Motel 6 and a Holiday Inn Express in Lebec, CA. which is about 2 miles north of Gorman on I-5. Hungry Valley has 9 camp grounds each with a multitude of sites.

Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area is located in the Tejon Pass about 50 miles north of Los Angeles, CA just west of the Interstate 5 corridor. For more information check out their web site Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area.

The cost is $385 per person.

Sponsor:

Badlands Off-Road Adventures is the sponsor of this class. We engage professional medical instructors from Wilderness Medical Associates, the certifying agency.

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