Wilderness First Aid (WFA)

Cherokee Scout Reservation

3296 Boy Scout Camp Road

Yanceyville, NC

What is Wilderness First Aid?

Wilderness first aid, or “WFA," is a generic term that commonly refers to any training course that focuses on prevention, assessment, and treatment for an ill or injured person in a remote environment where definitive care by a physician and/or rapid transport is not readily available. This is defined as being an hour or more away from advanced care.  WFA courses are intended for anyone planning a remote adventure, from lay responders to medical professionals.

Why is WFA Important?

WFA prepares participants to identify and address medical issues that can arise in the backcountry.

This WFA course provides more advanced first aid beyond the lay responder level and provides information and teachs skills to respond to medical emergencies in the wild or other remote locations. It is important to remember that many providers offer “wilderness first aid” courses, but the courses vary in content, duration, and accreditation.  This course is an entry-level WFA course.   

Treatment skills are important, but so is educating Scouts and adult leaders to recognize illnesses early and minimize the potential for injury.  WFA is not just for the backcountry.  It is just as relevant in urban areas during hurricanes, floods, fires, or mass casualty events when emergency services might be strained.  WFA knowledge can be lifesaving.

Who Needs WFA?

WFA is especially recommended for those planning and participating in activities where advanced medical care is delayed, backcountry camping trips, or high adventure trips.

It is appropriate for Cub Scout, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scout unit leaders to participate in the WFA course.

Scouts ages 14 and up are invited to participate in the WFA course. Youth participants should understand this course can be challenging and should only be undertaken if able to stay focused for long periods in all kinds of weather conditions. When youth participate, BSA youth protection policies must be followed.  It is recommended that youth register as buddy pairs of the same gender and with no more than a two years age difference.  When female youth participate, the female Scout's family and/or unit is responsible for providing female adult supervision.

How Does the Old North State Council Offer WFA?

A BSA-led task force developed a 16-hour WFA training curriculum specifically for Scouts and Scouters to help them provide assessment and treatment miles from advanced care. The Old North State Council partners with Emergency Care and Safety Institute (ECSI) to offer the BSA-approved WFA curriculum.

The course you are taking is a BSA-approved hybrid WFA course provided by ECSI. Part 1 consists of 8 hours of online study. Part 2 is a skills assessment that tests your ability to apply the knowledge gained in the online portion through group scenarios. Part 2, which is face-to-face, is a minimum of 8 hours in duration, not counting meals and breaks.

When Will I Receive Information about completing the online portion of the WFA course?

Participants will receive an email 3-4 weeks prior to the face-to-face skills assessment with directions on how to complete the online portion of the WFA course. This email will also include information and instructions on preparing for your day at camp.  If you do not receive the email in that time frame, please contact Nita Grubbs, nita.grubbs@scouting.org.

Dates: Choose 1 option

*NOTE: If you register for the December 29 training weekend for Wilderness First Aid, you must also register as an adult day camper for winter camp. Registering as a day camper for winter camp provides you with lunch and an event patch. The winter camp adult day camper is $15 per day.

Winter Camp Registration Link

https://scoutingevent.com/070-wintercamp

What is the Cost?

The cost for the event is $100.

The event fee covers lunch, access to the online training, and materials and supplies for the face-to-face group scenario skills assessment.

What are the Course Prerequisites?

1. Adult CPR/AED certification that will remain unexpired throughout the course.  Adult CPR/AED must be through a nationally recognized provider such as ECSI, The American Red Cross, or the American Heart Association.  Adult CPR/AED requires class time (may be online, if offered through the agency), and a skills component with a provider authorized instructor.  Online only training does not meet the prerequisite requirement.  To learn of others, or for questions, contact Nita Grubbs at nita.grubbs@scouting.org.
2. The online portion of WFA

Both a current Adult CPR/AED certificate that is valid until WFA is completed, AND the certificate for the online portion of WFA must must be presented prior to beginning the skills portion of the WFA course. Ideally, these certificates should be emailed to Nita Grubbs at nita.grubbs@scouting.org at least two days prior to the WFA skills assessment day.

What are the Options for Taking the Adult CPR/AED course?

The Old North State Council offers the CPR/AED course regularly.

The council will offer CPR/AED on the following Saturdays during 2023:

Use this link to register for the council-sponsored CPR/AED course that meets your needs.

https://www.scoutingevent.com/070-blsfa

If a council-sponsored CPR/AED course does not meet your needs, you can explore opportunities with the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or Emergency Care & Safety Institute.

What is the minimum number of registrations for the council to offer the course? Is there a maximum?

A minimum of 8 people must register for the council to be able to offer the WFA course. 

Maximum course size is 36.

Where do I Direct Questions?

Direct questions to Nita Grubbs at nita.grubbs@scouting.org or 336-378-9166, Ext 129.