On the Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA) course, you will learn how to respond to emergencies in challenging conditions, particularly in remote wilderness areas – such as Lapland, Finland – where reaching hospital care may take several hours.
You will gain a strong theoretical foundation and practical skills to care for a patient when professional help is delayed. You will also learn how to make critical decisions in situations that may require evacuation. Additionally, the course teaches you how to plan and execute a prolonged evacuation if emergency assistance takes too long to arrive.
This course is suitable for everyone, but we particularly recommend it for wilderness guides, seasonal outdoor workers, and those leading remote recreational trips. The four-day WAFA course is part of a training program developed by Wilderness Medical Associates (WMA) in the United States.
Upon completion, participants receive a Wilderness First Aid certification and an Adult CPR certification, both valid for three years.
Why Choose This Course?
- Develop the confidence to manage wilderness emergencies, whether you're trekking alone or responsible for a group as a guide.
- Hands-on training for real-life first aid situations instead of long lectures.
- Internationally recognized training from Wilderness Medical Associates.
- A comprehensive course that meets the first aid training requirements of many employers.
What you'll learn?
- Patient assessment system
- CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)
- Functions of the circulatory, respiratory, and nervous systems
- Fractures and splinting broken limbs
- Managing severe injuries
- Treatment of hypothermia and heat-related illnesses
- Near-drowning rescue techniques
- Lightning strike injuries
- Wound and burn care
- Anaphylaxis – severe allergic reactions
- Patient transportation: lifting, moving, and carrying
- Common illnesses and medical care in the backcountry
What should you bring?
- Rain gear
- Clothing for outdoor use
- Good shoes ( hiking shoes, rubber boots)
- Notebook and pencil
Price Includes
- Wilderness First Aid Guide
- Learning material in English
- WAFA First Aid Course - Certification. Valid for 3 years.
Price Excludes
- Travel expenses to Ivalo
- Accommodation
- Food
Erik Forsythe
Instructor for Wilderness Medical Associates
Erik has taught wilderness medicine since 1994 and has over 30 years of EMS experience, including work as a flight paramedic and rescue instructor. He runs Professional Rescue Training and is active in mountain rescue and outdoor emergency care.
Learn more on Wildmed.comOur instructors are certified to the highest standard in safety and adventure travel.
FAQ
Will I receive a certificate?
What is the cancellation policy?
- Cancellation fee of 50% is charged if cancelled 21 days or less before the event.
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