Wilderness First Aid

Wilderness First Aid Certification

Red Cross training in Wilderness First Aid meets the Girl Scout guidelines for advanced first aid training for situations in which access to medical care is more than 30 minutes away. Anyone who is planning to lead girls or adults in canoe, backpacking, bicycle, or other trips in locations where cell phone service is unreliable and access or transportation to medical care may be difficult should be taking this class or its equivalent.

The training is based on presentations, discussion, and hands-on scenarios with class participants working as a team to practice providing care in an outdoor setting. Segments include advanced skills in controlling bleeding, caring for bone and muscle injury, head and spine injuries, environmental (heat and cold) emergencies, and much more.

Length: 16 hours in-person skills session (no on-line option is available) and sessions can be set up in two to four sessions to accommodate needs of the participants

Prerequisite: current adult CPR/AED certification (Red Cross, American Heart Association, or equivalent hands on certification)

Certification: good for 2 years

Cost: $30

Note: Participants will use a manual during class. Manuals will also be available for purchase ($19) if a participant wishes to keep a manual.

Age levels: 14 years of age and older

Class size: this class is best taught with at least four participants

When Help is Delayed

This introductory short course covers emergency planning and response for groups traveling where help may be delayed. The class is an excellent planning resource for many safety concerns such as equipment (for example, signaling devices) and first aid kits, and awareness of lightning, water, and temperature hazards. Instructors can tailor this short course to the type of trip being planned. This short course is based on a discontinued American Red Cross course.

Prerequisite: None

Certification: None

Cost: may be a minimal cost for course handouts

Age levels: any

Class size: Instructors may require a minimum class size