WILDERNESS FIRST AID & CPR

April 11th 2026 at Camp Gorton

10:00am - 6:00pm

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 high 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.

Generally, WFA courses contain substantial medical information and teach skills to respond to medical emergencies in the wild. It is important to remember that many providers offer “wilderness first aid” courses, but the courses vary in content, duration, accreditation, and other factors. 

Treatment skills are important, but so is educating Scouts and adult leaders to recognize illnesses early and minimize the potential for injury. The skills learned in a Scouting America approved WFA course can save lives.

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.

“When an emergency occurs in the wild, the goal must be to provide the greatest good for the greatest number in the shortest time, and do no harm in the process.”

Who needs WFA?

Youth (14 years old and up) and adult Scout leaders are encouraged to take a 16-hour WFA course based on the specific curriculum developed by Scouting America, which includes a management dimension that most course fail to address. Participants will likely find it the most valuable program they’ll ever take. 

High Adventure Base WFA Requirements

All four of Scouting America high-adventure bases (HAB) require at least one person per trek (two per trek at Philmont Scout Ranch) to be current in WFA through one of Scouting America approved providers. Of course, having more participants trained in WFA skills is highly recommended for any high adventure or backcountry experience.

Course

This is a blended learning course. Which means that part of it is done online prior to the course (book work) and part of it is done in person (hands on). All parts are mandatory. The blended learning course is recommended, but not limited, to those who have taken the full in person course already. Certifications for both Wilderness First Aid and CPR/AED are good for 2 years. Certifications are emailed out after the course has been completed.

Wilderness First Aid will be run in 2 components (all are mandatory)

1. Approx. 2 weeks prior, You will receive access to the online course. This MUST be completed prior to the course. There is a certificate you MUST bring and give the instructor.
2. In-Person 10am - 3pm at Camp - Lunch provided

CPR with AED (if you can show the instructor a current certification you don't need to take this)

1. Approx 2 weeks prior You will receive access to the online course. This MUST be completed prior to the course. There is a certificate you MUST bring and give the instructor.
2. In-Person 3:30pm - 6pm at Camp - Dinner provided

Cost:

• $75 until 3/13, 3/14 or later $90 (registration closes 14 days prior to event 3/27)
• $25 additional if you need CPR/AED

Registration Note:

Scouting America Member ID is required during registration. This can be found in Scoutbook/Scoutbook Plus under the profile or on my.scouting.org. This can be added automatically if you logged in and are associated with a Unit or have entered the information in your profile.

Once you complete registration you will receive a conformation email. If you do not get it please check your spam for no-reply@247scouting.org