Wilderness First Aid Courses

Gain wilderness first aid knowledge

Wilderness First Aid
Travelling into the wilderness or remote areas is becoming both popular and accessible. It is essential to plan and train not only for the adventure, but also for the “just in case” and “worse case scenarios”. When help is delayed, your immediate first aid actions can make a difference. We want to make sure you are prepared.

We have partnered with Wilderness Medical Associates (WMA). WMA has set the standard in wilderness medicine for over 30 years. Their thought-provoking curriculum is updated by a group of healthcare professionals and is recognized around the world. We offer group courses for Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA), Wilderness First Responder (WFR), Bridge Course from WAFA to WFR, and WFR recertification. Other courses are offered upon request or for private bookings.

Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA)

WAFA Recertification

Wilderness First Responder (WFR)

Bridge Course (WAFA to WFR)

Open Wilderness First Responder Recertification (WFR – Open Recert)

Book your first aid course now!

Select a date from the calendar to select from our current courses.

Searching Availability...

FAQ'S

How do I book a course or activity?
What do your COVID procedures look like?
What is your Cancellation Policy for Wilderness First Aid courses?

View more information >>

"Rachel made the WAFA course an absolute breeze! With loads of in depth hands-on training and experiences, I highly recommend this course for anyone who's going to be spending any amount of time outside in the bush!"
KYRA DUMONTIER
Crowsnest Pass, Alberta

Course Information

Jump to: WAFA, WAFA Recertification, WFR, Bridge Course (WAFA to WFA), Open Recertification (WFR)

Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA)

This course is to certify you for the Wilderness Advanced First Aid. During the course you will be inside a classroom and outdoors practicing scenarios. You can expect to have long days, which may run a bit past 5pm. We do our best to stay on time, but this is a curriculum-based course and in order for you to receive your certificate, you must complete the course curriculum. You will be examined during this course, and you must pass the exam to receive your certificate.

This course is taught by highly trained WMA professionals in the medical industry.

Prerequisites:
Students must be at least 16 years or older. If under 18 years of age, written consent is required by the parent or guardian.

Included materials:
* The Field Guide of Wilderness Medicine & Rescue
* SOAP Notebook
* The Outward Bound Wilderness First-Aid Handbook
* Wilderness Advanced First Aid Class Notes

This is a 4-day or 36 to 40 hours of instructional and practice time. Upon successful completion students will receive certification in Wilderness Advanced First Aid and Adult CPR.

Certification is valid for 3 years.

To recertify your current WMA International WAFA certification, you can take an Open Recertification course, retake the WAFA course or upgrade to a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) by taking a Bridge (WAFA to WFR) course. A bridge course must be taken within 3 years of their original certification.

WMA International Wilderness Protocols including wound cleaning and exploration, spine injury assessment, dislocation reduction, CPR in the remote setting, and anaphylaxis and asthma.

* Systems Based Critical Thinking
* Infection Control
* Patient Assessment System
* Circulatory & Respiratory Systems
* Adult CPR
* Basic Life Support
* Nervous System
* Spine Management
* Musculoskeletal Injuries
* Lifts, Moves, and Extractions
* Splints – Extremities
* Patient Assessment Drills
* Thermoregulation
* Bites and Stings
* Lightning
* Wounds and Burns
* Allergies and Anaphylaxis
* Improvised Patient Carries
* Patient Assessment Drills
* Backcountry Medicine
* Medical and Legal Issues
* Patient Assessment Drills
* Simulations

Here is a general list of what to bring:

* Something to record time (ie watch or phone timer)
* Indoor footwear
* Outdoor footwear
* Clothing for indoors (the building gets cold)
* Outdoor clothing for all types of weather outdoors
* PPE: Personal mask(s) (optonal)
* Personal gear to practice with ie. backpack, tarps, ropes, sleeping pads, sleeping bags, repair kit, first aid kit
* Lunch, snacks and water
* Pen / pencil

Wilderness First Aid Cancellation Policy
If you need to cancel your course, please let us know as soon as possible. We will require a written confirmation of your cancellation and it is best to send this via email to info@upliftadventures.ca.

COVID Guarantee
If you cannot take a course or you need to leave the course partway through due to issues related to Covid-19, we will provide you with a full credit to take the same course within 12 months. You can also transfer credit to a friend. This must be done in writing via email.

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel more than 45 days from your course start date:

Your course fees will be returned except for a $25 administrative fee.
If you asked to have the textbook mailed to you in advance, if it’s already been sent out, you will get a refund minus $75 ($25 registration + $50 textbooks).

If you cancel less than 45 days from the course, but more than 14 days before your course start date:

You will get a 50% refund of your course fees.
If you find someone to transfer your space to, we will only retain the $25 admin fee. If you received textbooks in advance, we will also retain the $50 textbook fee for a total of $75.

If you cancel 14 days or less before the course start date:

You will not receive a refund.
If you find someone to transfer your space to, we will only retain the $25 admin fee. If you received textbooks in advance, we will also retain the $50 textbook fee for a total of $75.

Course Cancelled by Uplift Adventures
If the course is cancelled by Uplift Adventures beyond our control, then we will give you a spot on an upcoming course. If this is not an option, then we will reimburse your course fees.

Uplift Adventures is not responsible for expenses incurred by students in preparing for a cancelled course (for example, plane tickets, hotel fees, or other travel plans associated with this course).

Book NowWilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA)

WAFA Recertification

This course is to recertify you for the Wilderness Advanced First Aid. During the course you will be inside a classroom and outdoors practicing scenarios. You can expect to have long days, which may run a bit past 5pm. We do our best to stay on time, but this is a curriculum-based course and in order for you to receive your certificate, you must complete the course curriculum. You will be examined during this course, and you must pass the exam to receive your certificate.

This course is taught by highly trained WMA professionals in the medical industry.

Prerequisites:
Students must be at least 16 years or older. If under 18 years of age, written consent is required by the parent or guardian.

Students will have access to the pre-course assignments 2-4 weeks prior to the course. Students should complete the study guide in preparation for the course. It was designed to familiarize students with the essential points in the curriculum. Instructors will collect it at the beginning of the course, but it will not be a part of the final grade.

Included materials:
* The Field Guide of Wilderness Medicine & Rescue
* SOAP Notebook
* The Outward Bound Wilderness First-Aid Handbook
* Wilderness Advanced First Aid Class Notes

This is a 2-day instructional and practice time. Upon successful completion students will receive recertification in Wilderness Advanced First Aid and Adult CPR.

Certification is valid for 3 years.

To recertify your current WMA International WAFA certification, you can take a recertification WAFA course, retake the WAFA course or upgrade to a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) by taking a Bridge (WAFA to WFR) course. A recertification course or a bridge course must be taken within 3 years of their original certification.

WMA International Wilderness Protocols including wound cleaning and exploration, spine injury assessment, dislocation reduction, CPR in the remote setting, and anaphylaxis and asthma.

* Systems Based Critical Thinking
* Infection Control
* Patient Assessment System
* Circulatory & Respiratory Systems
* Adult CPR
* Basic Life Support
* Nervous System
* Spine Management
* Musculoskeletal Injuries
* Lifts, Moves, and Extractions
* Splints – Extremities
* Patient Assessment Drills
* Thermoregulation
* Bites and Stings
* Lightning
* Wounds and Burns
* Allergies and Anaphylaxis
* Improvised Patient Carries
* Patient Assessment Drills
* Backcountry Medicine
* Medical and Legal Issues
* Patient Assessment Drills
* Simulations

Here is a general list of what to bring:

* Something to record time (ie watch or phone timer)
* Indoor footwear
* Outdoor footwear
* Clothing for indoors (the building gets cold)
* Outdoor clothing for all types of weather outdoors
* PPE: Personal mask(s) (optonal)
* Personal gear to practice with ie. backpack, tarps, ropes, sleeping pads, sleeping bags, repair kit, first aid kit
* Lunch, snacks and water
* Pen / pencil

Wilderness First Aid Cancellation Policy
If you need to cancel your course, please let us know as soon as possible. We will require a written confirmation of your cancellation and it is best to send this via email to info@upliftadventures.ca.

COVID Guarantee
If you cannot take a course or you need to leave the course partway through due to issues related to Covid-19, we will provide you with a full credit to take the same course within 12 months. You can also transfer credit to a friend. This must be done in writing via email.

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel more than 45 days from your course start date:

Your course fees will be returned except for a $25 administrative fee.
If you asked to have the textbook mailed to you in advance, if it’s already been sent out, you will get a refund minus $75 ($25 registration + $50 textbooks).

If you cancel less than 45 days from the course, but more than 14 days before your course start date:

You will get a 50% refund of your course fees.
If you find someone to transfer your space to, we will only retain the $25 admin fee. If you received textbooks in advance, we will also retain the $50 textbook fee for a total of $75.

If you cancel 14 days or less before the course start date:

You will not receive a refund.
If you find someone to transfer your space to, we will only retain the $25 admin fee. If you received textbooks in advance, we will also retain the $50 textbook fee for a total of $75.

Course Cancelled by Uplift Adventures
If the course is cancelled by Uplift Adventures beyond our control, then we will give you a spot on an upcoming course. If this is not an option, then we will reimburse your course fees.

Uplift Adventures is not responsible for expenses incurred by students in preparing for a cancelled course (for example, plane tickets, hotel fees, or other travel plans associated with this course).

Book NowWAFA Recertification

Wilderness First Responder (WFR)

This course is to certify you for the Wilderness First Responder. During the course you will be inside a classroom and outdoors practicing scenarios. You can expect to have long days, which may run a bit past 5pm. We do our best to stay on time, but this is a curriculum-based course and in order for you to receive your certificate, you must complete the course curriculum. You will be examined during this course, and you must pass the exam to receive your certificate.

This course is taught by highly trained WMA professionals in the medical industry.

Prerequisites:
Students must be at least 16 years or older. If under 18 years of age, written consent is required by the parent or guardian.

No previous experience is necessary. A student can take the Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA) and bridge to the Wilderness First Responder within 3 years of taking the WAFA training.

Included materials:
* Wilderness and Rescue Medicine: A Practical Guide for the Basic and Advanced Practitioner
* The Field Guide of Wilderness Medicine & Rescue
* Wilderness Medicine Workbook
* SOAP Notebook
* Wilderness First Responder Class Notes

This is an 8-day or 80 hours of preparation, didactic, and practical time. Upon successful completion students will receive certification in Wilderness First Responder and Healthcare Provider CPR that includes adult, child and infant.

Certification is valid for 3 years.

To recertify your current WFR certification you can take an Open Recertification course (this option must be taken within 3 years of the original certification) or retake the WFR course.

* The General Principles of Wilderness and Rescue Medicine with an emphasis on the prevention and identification of medical emergencies, appropriate technology, and risk management.
* Patient assessment and emergency care including CPR, basic life support, and the emergency treatment of anaphylaxis and asthma.
* Environmental Medicine including altitude illness, hypothermia and heat illness, frostbit and cold injury, lightning, submersion, and environmental toxins.
* Backcountry Medicine including the assessment and treatment of common medical problems.
* Musculoskeletal Problems including unstable and stable injuries overuse syndromes, and dislocations.
* Wound management including open fractures, lacerations, burns and blisters.
* Practical skills including splinting, bandaging, litter packaging and medical kit preparation.
* WMA International Wilderness Protocols including wound cleaning and exploration, spine injury assessment, dislocation reduction, CPR in the remote setting, and anaphylaxis and asthma.

Here is a general list of what to bring:

* Something to record time (ie watch or phone timer)
* Indoor footwear
* Outdoor footwear
* Clothing for indoors (the building gets cold)
* Outdoor clothing for all types of weather outdoors
* PPE: Personal mask(s) (optonal)
* Personal gear to practice with ie. backpack, tarps, ropes, sleeping pads, sleeping bags, repair kit, first aid kit
* Lunch, snacks and water
* Pen / pencil

Wilderness First Aid Cancellation Policy
If you need to cancel your course, please let us know as soon as possible. We will require a written confirmation of your cancellation and it is best to send this via email to info@upliftadventures.ca.

COVID Guarantee
If you cannot take a course or you need to leave the course partway through due to issues related to Covid-19, we will provide you with a full credit to take the same course within 12 months. You can also transfer credit to a friend. This must be done in writing via email.

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel more than 45 days from your course start date:

Your course fees will be returned except for a $25 administrative fee.
If you asked to have the textbook mailed to you in advance, if it’s already been sent out, you will get a refund minus $75 ($25 registration + $50 textbooks).

If you cancel less than 45 days from the course, but more than 14 days before your course start date:

You will get a 50% refund of your course fees.
If you find someone to transfer your space to, we will only retain the $25 admin fee. If you received textbooks in advance, we will also retain the $50 textbook fee for a total of $75.

If you cancel 14 days or less before the course start date:

You will not receive a refund.
If you find someone to transfer your space to, we will only retain the $25 admin fee. If you received textbooks in advance, we will also retain the $50 textbook fee for a total of $75.

Course Cancelled by Uplift Adventures
If the course is cancelled by Uplift Adventures beyond our control, then we will give you a spot on an upcoming course. If this is not an option, then we will reimburse your course fees.

Uplift Adventures is not responsible for expenses incurred by students in preparing for a cancelled course (for example, plane tickets, hotel fees, or other travel plans associated with this course).

Book NowWilderness First Responder (WFR)

Bridge Course (WAFA to WFR)

This course is to bridge you from the Wilderness First Aid to the Wilderness First Responder in 4 days. During the course you will be inside a classroom and outdoors practicing scenarios. You can expect to have long days, which may run a bit past 5pm. We do our best to stay on time, but this is a curriculum-based course and in order for you to receive your certificate, you must complete the course curriculum. You will be examined during this course, and you must pass the exam to receive your certificate.

This course is taught by highly trained WMA professionals in the medical industry.

Prerequisites:
Students must be at least 16 years or older. If under 18 years of age, written consent is required by the parent or guardian.

Must have a current WAFA certification received within 3 years of the Bridge course.

Students will have access to the pre-course assignments 2-4 weeks prior to the course. Students should complete the study guide in preparation for the course. It was designed to familiarize students with the essential points in the curriculum. Instructors will collect it at the beginning of the course, but it will not be a part of the final grade.

Included materials:
* Wilderness and Rescue Medicine: A Practical Guide for the Basic and Advanced Practitioner
* The Field Guide of Wilderness Medicine & Rescue
* Wilderness Medicine Workbook
* SOAP Notebook
* Wilderness First Responder Class Notes

This is a 4-day or 36 to 40 hours of instructional and practice time. All eligible students who successfully complete the WAFA to WFR bridge course will receive WMA International’s Wilderness First Responder certification including anaphylaxis, and BLS/Healthcare Provider-Level CPR or equivalent.

Certification is valid for 3 years.

To recertify your current WMA International WFR certification, you can take an Open Recertification course within 3 years of original certification, or retake the WFR course.

WMA International Wilderness Protocols including wound cleaning and exploration, spine injury assessment, dislocation reduction, CPR in the remote setting, and anaphylaxis and asthma.

* Patient Assessment System
* Circulatory/Respiratory Systems
* PAS Drills
* Basic Life Support (Healthcare Provider-Level CPR)
* Nervous System
* Spine Management
* Musculoskeletal
* Dislocations
* Patent Immobilization
* Litter Carries and Belays
* Emergency Childbirth
* Allergy and Anaphylaxis
* Altitude or Diving
* Frostbite
* Near Drowning
* Search and Rescue
* Traction Splints
* Improvised Litters
* Simulation and Debrief
* Backcountry Medicine
* Toxins
* Medical Kits

Here is a general list of what to bring:

* Something to record time (ie watch or phone timer)
* Indoor footwear
* Outdoor footwear
* Clothing for indoors (the building gets cold)
* Outdoor clothing for all types of weather outdoors
* PPE: Personal mask(s) (optonal)
* Personal gear to practice with ie. backpack, tarps, ropes, sleeping pads, sleeping bags, repair kit, first aid kit
* Lunch, snacks and water
* Pen / pencil

Wilderness First Aid Cancellation Policy
If you need to cancel your course, please let us know as soon as possible. We will require a written confirmation of your cancellation and it is best to send this via email to info@upliftadventures.ca.

COVID Guarantee
If you cannot take a course or you need to leave the course partway through due to issues related to Covid-19, we will provide you with a full credit to take the same course within 12 months. You can also transfer credit to a friend. This must be done in writing via email.

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel more than 45 days from your course start date:

Your course fees will be returned except for a $25 administrative fee.
If you asked to have the textbook mailed to you in advance, if it’s already been sent out, you will get a refund minus $75 ($25 registration + $50 textbooks).

If you cancel less than 45 days from the course, but more than 14 days before your course start date:

You will get a 50% refund of your course fees.
If you find someone to transfer your space to, we will only retain the $25 admin fee. If you received textbooks in advance, we will also retain the $50 textbook fee for a total of $75.

If you cancel 14 days or less before the course start date:

You will not receive a refund.
If you find someone to transfer your space to, we will only retain the $25 admin fee. If you received textbooks in advance, we will also retain the $50 textbook fee for a total of $75.

Course Cancelled by Uplift Adventures
If the course is cancelled by Uplift Adventures beyond our control, then we will give you a spot on an upcoming course. If this is not an option, then we will reimburse your course fees.

Uplift Adventures is not responsible for expenses incurred by students in preparing for a cancelled course (for example, plane tickets, hotel fees, or other travel plans associated with this course).

Book NowBridge Course (WAFA to WFR)

Open Recertification (WFR)

This course is to recertify for the Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or equivalent 80-hour wilderness first aid course. During the course you will be inside a classroom and outdoors practicing scenarios. You can expect to have long days, which may run a bit past 5pm. We do our best to stay on time, but this is a curriculum-based course and in order for you to receive your certificate, you must complete the course curriculum. You will be examined during this course, and you must pass the exam to receive your certificate.

This course is taught by highly trained WMA professionals in the medical industry.

Prerequisites:
Students must be at least 16 years or older. If under 18 years of age, written consent is required by the parent or guardian.

Must have a current WFR certification or equivalent received within 3 years of the recertification course.

Students will have access to the pre-course assignments 2-4 weeks prior to the course. Students should complete the study guide in preparation for the course. It was designed to familiarize students with the essential points in the curriculum. Instructors will collect it at the beginning of the course, but it will not be a part of the final grade.

Included materials:
* Wilderness and Rescue Medicine: A Practical Guide for the Basic and Advanced Practitioner
* The Field Guide of Wilderness Medicine & Rescue
* Wilderness Medicine Workbook
* SOAP Notebook
* Wilderness First Responder Class Notes

This is a 4-day or 36 to 40 hours of instructional and practice time. All eligible students who successfully complete the Open WFR Recertification course will receive WMA International’s Wilderness First Responder certification including anaphylaxis, and BLS/Healthcare Provider-Level CPR or equivalent.

Certification is valid for 3 years.

To recertify your current WMA International WFR certification, you can take an Open Recertification course within 3 years of original certification, or retake the WFR course.

WMA International Wilderness Protocols including wound cleaning and exploration, spine injury assessment, dislocation reduction, CPR in the remote setting, and anaphylaxis and asthma.

* Patient Assessment System
* Circulatory/Respiratory Systems
* PAS Drills
* Basic Life Support (Healthcare Provider-Level CPR)
* Nervous System
* Spine Management
* Musculoskeletal
* Dislocations
* Patent Immobilization
* Litter Carries and Belays
* Emergency Childbirth
* Allergy and Anaphylaxis
* Altitude or Diving
* Frostbite
* Near Drowning
* Search and Rescue
* Traction Splints
* Improvised Litters
* Simulation and Debrief
* Backcountry Medicine
* Toxins
* Medical Kits

Here is a general list of what to bring:

* Something to record time (ie watch or phone timer)
* Indoor footwear
* Outdoor footwear
* Clothing for indoors (the building gets cold)
* Outdoor clothing for all types of weather outdoors
* PPE: Personal mask(s) (optonal)
* Personal gear to practice with ie. backpack, tarps, ropes, sleeping pads, sleeping bags, repair kit, first aid kit
* Lunch, snacks and water
* Pen / pencil

Wilderness First Aid Cancellation Policy
If you need to cancel your course, please let us know as soon as possible. We will require a written confirmation of your cancellation and it is best to send this via email to info@upliftadventures.ca.

COVID Guarantee
If you cannot take a course or you need to leave the course partway through due to issues related to Covid-19, we will provide you with a full credit to take the same course within 12 months. You can also transfer credit to a friend. This must be done in writing via email.

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel more than 45 days from your course start date:

Your course fees will be returned except for a $25 administrative fee.
If you asked to have the textbook mailed to you in advance, if it’s already been sent out, you will get a refund minus $75 ($25 registration + $50 textbooks).

If you cancel less than 45 days from the course, but more than 14 days before your course start date:

You will get a 50% refund of your course fees.
If you find someone to transfer your space to, we will only retain the $25 admin fee. If you received textbooks in advance, we will also retain the $50 textbook fee for a total of $75.

If you cancel 14 days or less before the course start date:

You will not receive a refund.
If you find someone to transfer your space to, we will only retain the $25 admin fee. If you received textbooks in advance, we will also retain the $50 textbook fee for a total of $75.

Course Cancelled by Uplift Adventures
If the course is cancelled by Uplift Adventures beyond our control, then we will give you a spot on an upcoming course. If this is not an option, then we will reimburse your course fees.

Uplift Adventures is not responsible for expenses incurred by students in preparing for a cancelled course (for example, plane tickets, hotel fees, or other travel plans associated with this course).

Book NowOpen Wilderness First Responder Recertification

Wilderness First Aid Courses

Gain wilderness first aid knowledge

Book your first aid course now!

Course Information

Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA)

WAFA Recertification

Wilderness First Responder (WFR)

Bridge Course (WAFA to WFR)

Open Recertification (WFR)

Subscribe to our mailing list to get: