Wilderness First Aid
Medical Training
Practical Medical Training for Remote Outdoor Environments
Green Tongue Adventures is proud to present wilderness medical training using the Wilderness Medical Associates curriculum, known for leading the way in wilderness medical education. This training is designed for real outdoor environments where access to hospitals, rescue services, and standard medical support may be delayed.
The curriculum is aligned with the Wilderness Medical Society, which supports the development of wilderness medicine through education, research, diplomas, fellowships, and continued growth in the field. Many protocols used by wilderness medicine practitioners have roots in Wilderness Medical Associates training.
Our instructors are active outdoor and medical experts who are passionate about teaching practical skills. The goal is not only to deliver information, but also to help students feel more confident when responding to the situations they are preparing for.
20 Hours
Wilderness First Aid is a 20-hour, two-day course for outdoor enthusiasts who take part in day trips, paddling, hiking, camping, and short wilderness adventures. It covers key medical principles and basic life support skills to help students respond when medical care is not immediately available, with training delivered by experienced instructors in patient care and wilderness settings.
40 Hours
Wilderness Advanced First Aid is a 40-hour course for people who work, lead, or travel in remote settings for longer periods. It covers practical medical training for emergencies where hospitals, ambulances, or rescue services may be delayed, including prolonged care, harsh-weather decisions, and using improvised equipment.
80 Hours
Wilderness First Responder is an 80-hour course for outdoor educators, wilderness guides, search and rescue teams, military members, wildland firefighters, researchers, and disaster relief workers. It provides practical wilderness medicine, leadership, and critical-thinking skills for managing medical problems in remote or extreme environments where care may be needed for days or weeks.
40 Hours
The WAFA to WFR Bridge is a 40-hour, four-day course that upgrades eligible WAFA students to the Wilderness First Responder level. It’s designed for participants with a current WMA International WAFA or equivalent certification within three years, and may also be used for WFR or WEMS wilderness recertification when eligibility requirements are met.
Course Levels
Choose the Right Wilderness Medical Course
Whether you’re joining a short outdoor trip, leading groups in remote areas, or working professionally in wilderness environments, there is a course level that fits your needs.
Certification & Training Standards
Training Backed by Recognized Wilderness Medicine Education
Green Tongue Adventures presents wilderness medical training through the Wilderness Medical Associates curriculum. Course certification details depend on the course level, provider requirements, student eligibility, and current booking information.
The training is designed to support practical decision-making in real wilderness situations. Students learn how to assess problems, manage limited resources, think clearly under pressure, and provide care when outside help may be delayed.
Training Focus Areas
- Patient assessment
- Basic life support
- Remote environment decision-making
- Improvised care
- Prolonged patient care
- Leadership in medical situations
- Risk management
- Outdoor emergency response
Prerequisites
What You Need Before You Register
Prerequisites depend on the course level.
Wilderness First Aid is generally suited for recreational outdoor participants and people beginning their wilderness medical training pathway.
Wilderness Advanced First Aid is designed for people who spend more time in remote environments or who hold greater responsibility in the field.
Wilderness First Responder is intended for outdoor leaders, professionals, and people who need a deeper level of wilderness medical training.
WAFA to WFR Bridge requires a current or eligible WAFA certification, or an equivalent certification from another provider, completed within the required time frame.
For recertification or bridge eligibility, students should confirm requirements before booking.
FAQs
Wilderness First Aid FAQs
What is Wilderness First Aid?
Wilderness First Aid is medical training designed for outdoor environments where professional medical help may be delayed. It teaches practical first-aid and basic life support skills for people taking part in outdoor activities, short trips, and wilderness travel.
How long is the Wilderness First Aid course?
The Wilderness First Aid course is 20 hours and is typically completed over two days.
What is the difference between WFA, WAFA, and WFR?
WFA is a 20-hour introductory wilderness first aid course. WAFA is a 40-hour advanced course for people spending more time in remote environments. WFR is an 80-hour course designed for guides, educators, search and rescue members, and outdoor professionals who need more comprehensive wilderness medical training.
Who should take Wilderness First Responder?
WFR is a strong fit for wilderness guides, outdoor educators, search and rescue members, military personnel, wildland firefighters, researchers, disaster relief workers, and leaders responsible for groups in remote or low-resource environments.
Can I use the WAFA to WFR Bridge course for recertification?
Participants with a current WFR certification or equivalent training from a provider with at least 64 hours of original WFR instruction may be able to use the WAFA to WFR Bridge course for recertification. Students should confirm eligibility before registering.
Get In Touch
Get Trained Before You Need It
In the wilderness, preparation matters. Whether you’re paddling, guiding, camping, teaching, leading groups, or working in remote environments, wilderness medical training gives you the tools to respond with more confidence.
Explore upcoming Wilderness First Aid, WAFA, WFR, and Bridge courses with Green Tongue Adventures.