Wilderness
First Aid & CPR Training

A field‑focused Wilderness First Aid Afloat course delivered by the National Wilderness Leadership Institute (NWLI) and certified by SOLO that prepares paddling leaders, expedition crews, and afloat program staff to manage medical incidents on or near water where evacuation may be delayed. Instruction emphasizes water‑specific risk assessment, patient packaging and movement on boats and shorelines, and prolonged care techniques adapted to small‑craft environments. The course blends classroom instruction, hands‑on skills stations, and realistic on‑water scenarios to build practical competence and decision‑making under operational constraints. Learning outcomes • Perform water‑adapted primary and secondary assessments — rapidly identify life threats while accounting for wet, cold, and unstable environments. • Stabilize airway, breathing, and circulation afloat — apply BLS, airway adjuncts, and hemorrhage control with limited space and resources. • Manage common aquatic and environmental conditions — treat hypothermia, immersion injuries, near‑drowning, and marine envenomations. • Package and move patients on watercraft and shorelines — construct improvised litters, secure patients in kayaks/canoes, and coordinate team carries. • Make evacuation and transport decisions — weigh on‑scene care versus paddle/row/motor evacuations and coordinate with external rescue assets. • Lead a medical response in small‑boat operations — assign roles, maintain scene safety, and document care for handoff to EMS. Course format: nstruction covers water‑specific and core wilderness medicine topics through short lectures, progressive skills stations, and full‑day on‑water scenarios that simulate delayed evacuation. Key modules include: • Foundations of Afloat Medicine — scene safety on water, legal considerations, and risk management. • Water‑Adapted Primary Care — rapid assessment, airway and breathing strategies in confined craft. • Trauma and Musculoskeletal Care Afloat — splinting, wound care, and spinal considerations for water rescues. • Environmental and Immersion Illnesses — hypothermia, near‑drowning physiology, and heat/altitude considerations for paddling trips. • Patient Packaging and Transport — improvised litters, kayak/canoe stabilization, motorboat transfer techniques, and shore extraction. • Leadership, Communication, and Evacuation Planning — incident command for small teams, radio/phone reporting, and coordination with SAR/EMS. Who should attend Paddlesport guides, expedition leaders, outdoor educators, search and rescue volunteers, and program staff who operate on lakes, rivers, or coastal waters and need practical, water‑specific first‑aid skills. The course is also appropriate for trip participants who want a higher level of preparedness for multi‑day or remote paddling trips. Organizations can request tailored sessions focused on their craft type, typical trip length, or local environmental hazards.

NWLI hosts the American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider course to equip healthcare professionals and other responders with the skills to recognize and respond to life‑threatening emergencies using high‑quality CPR, ventilations, and an automated external defibrillator (AED). The course follows current AHA science and education standards and results in an AHA BLS Provider course completion card upon successful skills verification. What Participants Will Learn • Recognition of cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest, and choking in adults, children, and infants. • High‑quality CPR techniques including correct rate, depth, and full chest recoil. • Safe and effective AED use and integration of defibrillation into the Chain of Survival. • Team dynamics and communication during multi‑rescuer scenarios. Course Format and Structure - Format: Instructor‑led classroom with hands‑on skills practice; NWLI may offer blended options (online knowledge modules plus an in‑person skills session) to accommodate schedules. - Duration: Typically 2–4 hours depending on format and class size. - Class Size: Small groups to maximize instructor feedback and individualized coaching. - Materials: Official AHA student resources and skills checklists. Who Should Attend • Healthcare providers and clinical staff who require AHA BLS Provider certification. • First responders, workplace safety teams, caregivers, and others who need standardized, evidence‑based lifesaving skills. Certification and Renewal • Participants who successfully complete all course requirements receive an AHA BLS Provider Course Completion Card, valid for two years. • NWLI offers renewal and refresher options to help learners maintain competency and meet employer or regulatory requirements. Why Choose NWLI NWLI combines professional instruction, small‑group practice, and organizational branding to deliver a polished learning experience that meets AHA standards and prepares participants to act confidently in emergencies.

American Red Cross Adult CPR & AED This fast‑paced course teaches you how to recognize cardiac emergencies, perform high‑quality adult CPR, and use an AED with confidence. NWLI instructors blend clear instruction with hands‑on practice to build real‑world readiness. Certification: American Red Cross Adult CPR/AED, valid for two years and accepted nationwide.