The Wilderness First Aid course may be taken by anyone who would like to gain practical medical first aid skills. Intended for the person who frequently travels in the backcountry with friends or in small groups and who is seeking a basic level of competency in first aid.

This course meets the state requirements for those seeking a Maine Trip Leader Certification and exceeds the state requirements for those seeking a Maine Guide license.

*Students must be at least 16 years old to participate in this course. Those under 18 years of age require the written consent of a parent or guardian.

Students must be at least 16 years old to participate in this course. Those under 18 years of age require the written consent of a parent or guardian. No other pre-requisites.

• Introduce backcountry emergency procedures and evacuation skills
• Introduce backcountry improvisation skills.
• Introduce major topics in emergency care relative to the wilderness.
• To better understand the limits of medical care in a remote setting.
• Develop confidence and competence in responding to backcountry accidents.
• Improve personal judgment and decision making skills.

Below is a sample curriculum for the 2 day Wilderness First Aid. We strive to make each class slightly different in structure to maintain presentation freshness. 

Day 1

.5 hr Introductions, Registration and Overview

.5 hr General Concepts Overview

.5 hr Scene Leadership / Backcountry ICS

.75 hr Patient Assessment

1.5 hr BLS Skills

1.0 hr Lifting / Moving / Extrication

2.5 hrs Critical PAS Drills 

Day 2

1.0 hr Enviro (hyperthermia/hypothermia, Cold)

1.0 hrs Anaphylaxis and Asthma  

.5 hr Enviro (Lightning, Drowning, Avalanche)

1.0 hrs Soft Tissue Injury / Wound 

1.0 hrs Musculoskeletal Injuries 

1.5 hrs Backcountry Medicine

1.5 hrs Simulation Exercise

.5 hr Evaluation

WMAI courses present nationally recognized curricula. The style of the course is the result of input from outdoor educators, medical experts, search and rescue personnel, EMS field providers and prior students. Certification through Wilderness Medical Associates International will be granted following successful completion of the course. 

No pre-course study is required. However you do need to create Moodle account with Wilderness Medical Associates (wildmed.com) and complete course waivers on the site.

When:

See specific course information packet

Where:

See specific course information packet

Meals:
There are numerous restaurants and food stores in Millinocket. A 40 minute lunch breaks will be provided.

Lodging:
There are numerous accommodations in Millinocket, ME area

IT IS CRITICAL THAT YOU ARE PREPARED WHEN YOU COME TO CLASS. 

Make sure you have had adequate sleep and it would be best not to work all night the night before class. Hangovers are another bad idea. Be prepared to be outside in all weather; let me stress, be prepared to be outside in all weather. 

We will be practicing our skill scenarios in real conditions that may mean outside in the pouring rain, the snow, the mud or other unpleasant conditions. Dress warmly in layers and bring a change of clothes for scenarios is a good idea. 

BRING OLD CLOTHES TO CLASS TO WEAR FOR SCENARIOS. At times you will be playing a patient. Some of the make up we use stains clothing and some scenarios will force you to lay in snow, slush and mud. Clothing may get cut up. 

If you have any physical limitations that keep you from performing this type of scenario let your instructor know in advance. 

MOST IMPORTANTLY, BE INVOLVED IN THE CLASS AND ASK QUESTIONS IF SOMETHING DOES NOT MAKE SENSE.