Wilderness
First Aid & CPR Training

Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician (WEMT) The Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician (WEMT) program offered by the National Wilderness Leadership Institute (NWLI) is an intensive, comprehensive medical training course that combines the nationally recognized Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) curriculum with advanced wilderness medicine education. Designed for outdoor professionals, guides, search and rescue personnel, military personnel, expedition leaders, camp staff, first responders, and individuals seeking advanced medical training, the WEMT prepares students to provide patient care in both traditional EMS systems and remote environments where definitive medical care may be delayed. The wilderness medicine component of this course is delivered under the standards and curriculum of SOLO (Stonehearth Open Learning Opportunities), one of the world's most respected wilderness medicine organizations. The EMT component is approved and recognized by the Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) and prepares students for National Registry certification testing.

Build practical outdoor skills, steady judgment, and confident leadership in the backcountry. This two‑day, instructor‑led course blends hands‑on practice with field‑tested techniques so participants leave prepared to travel, shelter, and care for themselves and others in remote settings. What you’ll learn: • Navigation & orienteering — Read topographic maps, use a compass, and plan routes to move safely without electronic dependence. • Shelter construction — Construct durable, weather‑appropriate shelters using natural materials and lightweight gear. • Firecraft — Select fuel, use reliable ignition methods, and manage fire safely for warmth, cooking, and signaling. • Water sourcing & purification — Identify water sources and apply proven purification methods to maintain hydration. • Knots & rope work — Tie essential knots and apply rope techniques for shelter, hauling, and simple rescues. • Wilderness first aid — Assess injuries, stabilize patients, and apply improvised care until professional help is available. • Wild edible & medicinal plants — Recognize common regional plants for food and basic remedies while practicing sustainable harvesting. • Wildlife awareness & safety — Read animal behavior, reduce encounter risk, and respond appropriately to wildlife situations. Course format and logistics • Duration: 2.5 days with an overnight field component. • Setting: Outdoor classroom with progressive, scenario‑based exercises. • Instruction: Small groups led by NWLI instructors with emphasis on experiential learning and peer leadership. • Equipment: Participants receive a pre‑course packing list and brief on safety protocols. Who this course is for • New campers and outdoor beginners seeking foundational competence. • Hikers, backpackers, and weekend adventurers wanting practical, field‑tested skills. • Individuals aiming to increase self‑reliance and group leadership in remote environments. Outcomes and expectations: Participants will leave with a clear skill set they can apply immediately: confident navigation, reliable shelter and fire skills, basic medical response, and improved decision‑making under field conditions. NWLI emphasizes responsible stewardship, situational awareness, and the judgment needed to keep yourself and your group safe.

Course overview This hands‑on, scenario‑driven Wilderness First Aid course from the National Wilderness Leadership Institute (NWLI) teaches practical, evidence‑based skills for managing medical emergencies in remote and austere environments. The curriculum emphasizes rapid patient assessment, improvised care using limited resources, and safe decision‑making for evacuation or prolonged field care. Learning objectives By the end of the course participants will be able to: • Perform a focused wilderness patient assessment and prioritize life‑threatening problems. • Manage common trauma including wound care, splinting, and basic hemorrhage control. • Recognize and treat environmental emergencies such as hypothermia, heat illness, and altitude‑related problems. • Stabilize medical emergencies (e.g., allergic reactions, diabetic events) until higher care is available. • Plan and execute safe evacuations using improvised litters, patient packaging, and risk assessment. Who should attend • Outdoor leaders, guides, and trip organizers • Backpackers, climbers, paddlers, and recreational outdoor enthusiasts • Scout leaders, camp staff, and anyone responsible for groups in remote settings. Format, prerequisites, and materials • Format: Instructor‑led mix of classroom instruction, hands‑on skills stations, and realistic field scenarios. • Duration: Two full days (16 contact hours). • Prerequisites: Minimum age typically 13; no prior medical training required. • What to bring: Weather‑appropriate outdoor clothing, notebook, water, and basic personal gear; expect outdoor skills practice. Assessment and certification Participants complete practical skills checks and scenario performance evaluations. Successful completion awards the SOLO Wilderness First Aid certificate, recognized globally and valid for two years.