Wilderness First Aid
Wilderness First Aid (WFA)
Our 16-hour Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course prepares you to respond to medical emergencies in remote environments where professional medical care may be delayed.
This course is ideal for hikers, backpackers, climbers, hunters, mountain bikers, outdoor guides, search and rescue volunteers, camp staff, and anyone who spends time recreating outdoors.
Students learn how to assess injuries, manage common wilderness medical problems, and make evacuation decisions when help may be hours away.
Hybrid Course Format
This course is delivered in a hybrid format combining online learning with hands-on training.
The course includes:
• 8 hours of online pre-course learning
• 8 hours of in-person training and scenarios in Grand Junction, Colorado
The online portion allows students to learn the foundational concepts at their own pace before attending the in-person class.
The in-person session focuses on hands-on practice, patient assessment, splinting, wound care, and realistic medical scenarios to apply what you learned in the online coursework.
What You Will Learn
Students will develop practical skills for handling common wilderness emergencies, including:
• Patient assessment and physical examination
• Injury and illness evaluation
• Bleeding control and wound care
• Splinting fractures and sprains
• Spinal injury management
• Environmental emergencies (heat illness, hypothermia, dehydration)
• Wildlife and terrain hazards
• Improvised medical care and evacuation decision making
The course also covers how to manage emergencies when resources are limited and evacuation may take significant time.
Hands-On Skills Training
During the in-person session, students participate in:
• hands-on skills practice
• realistic patient scenarios
• team-based rescue situations
• instructor feedback and evaluation
Students demonstrate key skills such as patient assessment, splinting, bandaging, and spinal stabilization using simulated patients.
Certification
Students who successfully complete both the online coursework and in-person training receive a:
Wilderness First Aid Certification (valid for two years)
This certification is widely accepted by many outdoor organizations, government agencies, and employers.
Examples include:
• National Park Service
• USDA Forest Service
• National Association for Search & Rescue (NASAR)
• American Camp Association
• Boy Scouts of America programs
• outdoor recreation organizations and guide services
Note: Individual organizations may have their own requirements. Students should confirm with their employer or organization if they have specific certification requirements.
Who Should Take This Course
This course is recommended for:
• hikers and backpackers
• outdoor guides and trip leaders
• hunters and anglers
• climbers and mountaineers
• mountain bikers
• Jeep and off-road enthusiasts
• camp staff and outdoor educators
• search and rescue volunteers
• anyone traveling in remote environments
If you spend time in places where emergency services may be delayed, Wilderness First Aid training provides valuable knowledge and confidence to manage emergencies.
Why Wilderness First Aid Training Matters
In wilderness environments, emergency response times can be significantly longer than in urban settings. Wilderness First Aid training teaches students how to:
• stabilize patients
• manage injuries with limited resources
• improvise care in remote environments
• determine when evacuation is necessary
These skills can make a critical difference while waiting for professional medical assistance.
Course Location
In-person training is held in:
Grand Junction, Colorado
This course serves students from across Western Colorado and Eastern Utah, including:
• Grand Junction
• Fruita
• Palisade
• Delta
• Montrose
• Moab
• surrounding outdoor recreation areas
Certification Validity
The Wilderness First Aid certification is valid for two years.
Students may renew their certification by completing another Wilderness First Aid course or an advanced wilderness medical course prior to expiration.
Register for a Wilderness First Aid Course
Space in each course is limited to allow for effective hands-on training and personalized instruction.
Reserve your spot today to gain the skills and confidence needed to respond to emergencies in the backcountry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any prior medical experience to take this course?
No prior medical training is required. This course is designed for outdoor enthusiasts, guides, and anyone who recreates in remote environments where help may be delayed.
Where can I take a Wilderness First Aid course in Grand Junction, Colorado?
Smooth Bore CPR & First Aid offers Wilderness First Aid training in Grand Junction, Colorado. Our hybrid course combines online learning with an in-person skills day designed to prepare students for medical emergencies in remote environments.
Is there a Wilderness First Aid class near Moab or Western Colorado?
Yes. Our Wilderness First Aid course in Grand Junction serves students from across Western Colorado and Eastern Utah, including Moab, Fruita, Palisade, Montrose, and surrounding outdoor recreation areas.
How is the course structured?
This Wilderness First Aid course is delivered in a hybrid format. Students complete 8 hours of online pre-course learning followed by 8 hours of in-person training and hands-on scenarios in Grand Junction, Colorado.
When will I receive access to the online coursework?
After registering, students will receive instructions on how to access the online course content through Survival Med. Access to the online portion will be provided no sooner than 30 days prior to the scheduled in-person course date.
Do I have to complete the online coursework before the in-person class?
Yes. The 8 hours of online coursework must be completed prior to attending the in-person session. Students who arrive without completing the online portion will not be permitted to participate and will need to reschedule for a future course.
What should I bring to the in-person class?
Students should bring:
• Comfortable clothing suitable for hands-on activities
• A notebook and pen (optional)
• Any personal medications you may need during the day
• Lunch and beverages
Some portions of the class include hands-on scenarios and practicing skills on the floor, so comfortable clothing is recommended.
Will there be a lunch break?
Yes. We will take a 30-minute lunch break during the in-person training.
Students are encouraged to bring their own lunch and beverages so we can stay on schedule and maximize hands-on training time.
How long does a Wilderness First Aid course take?
This WFA course in Colorado is 16 hours total, consisting of 8 hours of online learning and 8 hours of in-person training.
How long is the certification valid?
Wilderness First Aid certification is valid for two years.
What is the difference between Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and Wilderness First Responder (WFR)?
Wilderness First Aid is a 16-hour wilderness medicine course designed for outdoor enthusiasts and recreational users. Wilderness First Responder is a much longer and more advanced course typically required for professional guides or expedition leaders.
Do I need Wilderness First Aid for hiking or backpacking?
While not required for most recreational activities, Wilderness First Aid training provides valuable skills for anyone spending time in remote environments where emergency services may be delayed.
Who should take a Wilderness First Aid course?
This course is recommended for:
• hikers and backpackers
• climbers and mountaineers
• mountain bikers
• hunters and anglers
• outdoor guides and trip leaders
• camp staff and outdoor educators
• search and rescue volunteers
• anyone traveling in remote environments
Is Wilderness First Aid certification accepted by outdoor organizations?
Yes. Wilderness First Aid certification is widely accepted by many outdoor recreation organizations, camps, and employers. Always confirm with your specific organization if they have particular certification requirements.