Advanced Wilderness First Aid (AWFA)

Advanced Wilderness First Aid (AWFA) trains outdoor leaders to deliver extended, high‑quality patient care and manage evacuations when professional medical help is delayed. The NWLI AWFA emphasizes practical decision‑making, leadership, and prolonged‑care skills for multi‑day trips in remote or semi‑remote environments. Who should attend: • Summer camp instructors, outdoor educators, and trip leaders running multi‑day programs. • Forest and trail guides operating where cell or satellite service exists but external help may be hours away. • Professional guides and staff who require a recognized wilderness medical credential. Key learning outcomes Participants will be able to: • Perform structured patient assessment (primary/secondary surveys; SOAP documentation). • Stabilize and manage traumatic injuries, medical illnesses, and environmental emergencies for extended care. • Lead and coordinate multi‑person rescues and evacuations. • Apply medicolegal best practices and maintain clear patient records. Core topics covered • Foundations: Wilderness vs. standard emergency care; medicolegal considerations. • Assessment & documentation: Primary/secondary surveys; SOAP notes. • Trauma care: Bleeding control; wound care; fractures; splinting; head and chest trauma. • Environmental medicine: Hypothermia; frostbite; heat illness; drowning; lightning; bites and stings. • Medical emergencies: Cardiac events; respiratory distress; seizures; diabetes; poisoning; stroke. • Operational skills: Lifting, moving, and transport techniques; personal preparedness; leadership and team roles. • Practical application: Extended‑care scenarios, multi‑patient management, mock rescues, and final certification testing. Professional relevance Graduates commonly serve as summer camp leaders, college outdoor program trip leaders, residential camp staff, and professional guides. The SOLO AWFA credential signals readiness to manage prolonged medical incidents confidently and competently in wilderness settings.

Schedule

Upcoming Classes

Check back soon or request a private session.

Assessment

SOAP Notes

Trauma care

Transport Techniques

Multi‑patient management

Ready to get certified?

Pick a Advanced Wilderness First Aid (AWFA) class that fits your schedule, or contact us about a private session.