Wilderness First Aid (WFA) Class

Accidents happen. People get hurt, sick, or lost. The temperature drops, the wind picks up, and it starts to rain. Would you know what to do? Many backcountry emergencies are preventable, and even when bad things happen, you can make the difference between a bad outcome and a good one - and maybe even save a life.

Who is Wilderness First Aid (WFA) for?

WFA is the perfect course for the outdoor enthusiast and is required for outings leaders by organizations such as the Sierra Club and Scouts. No prior first aid experience is required. Our WFA class meets or exceeds the guidelines of the Sierra Club, BSA, ACA and many other outdoor organizations. 

What is taught?

WFA is a two day course that teaches you to avoid, prevent or cope with emergencies in the wilderness. You’ll learn about environmental and biological hazards, medical problems, and injuries. And you will practice many first aid techniques as well as patient assessment, then put all your skills together in role-playing scenarios. 

Where and when is it held?

Our WFA course is held at the Sports Basement Presidio (610 Old Mason St. San Francisco, CA) or at the Sports Basement Berkeley (2727 Milvia St. Berkeley). Please select your location during signup and note that the start time differs by store.

Is there an exam?

No prerequisites and no written exam. We evaluate your skills throughout the course. To be certified, you must:
 Attend and participate in the entire class.
 Demonstrate the skills during class practice sessions.

Do I get certified?

Yes. You will receive NASAR WFA certification which is valid for two years.

Who does the certification come from?

The National Association for Search and Rescue, (NASAR) is dedicated to advancing professional, literary, and scientific knowledge in fields related to search and rescue. NASAR is comprised of thousands of professionals interested in all aspects of search and rescue - the humanitarian cause of saving lives - throughout the United States and around the world. The NASAR WFA certification is recognized throughout the United States and in several other countries.
 

Breakdown of Class Time

Classroom

We use vivid slides and interactive teaching methods to explain what can cause wilderness emergencies.

Practice

You’ll learn more bandaging and splinting techniques in 16 hours than we teach EMTs in 160 hours, because they have an ambulance full of equipment for a short ride to the hospital, whereas you’ll have what’s in your pack or can improvise before you evacuate the patient. You’ll also learn how to do a full patient assessment for serious injuries or medical problems.

Scenarios

You’ll do realistic, role-playing scenarios to put all your skills together, working solo and in teams. You’ll also learn and practice how to organize patient information and give an oral report to medical professionals.
 

Meet your Wilderness First Aid Instructor: Steve Donelan

Steve Donelan has been developing and teaching courses in wilderness emergency care for 40 years.  He is the WEC program author and instructor trainer for the National Association for Search and Rescue (www.nasar.org), which publishes the current editions of his textbooks. He has also published many articles on emergency care and how to teach it, and has been a National Ski Patrol instructor since the beginning of their Outdoor Emergency Care program.

 
Have a question about this course? Email us at sboutdoors@sportsbasement.com.
You may find our cancellation policy at the bottom of this page.