Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA) & Wilderness First Responder (WFR)

This course is instructed and delivered by Raven RSM in BC, AB, and ON, and by Adventure & Safety Atlantic in NS. Widely-regarded as the best course of its kind, this 80hr (8 day) Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course is designed for professionals or other individuals who work in remote locations for extended periods of time, particularly when transportation to a medical facility will take an extended period. Participants can choose to take:

• the 40 hr WAFA (Wilderness Advanced First Aid) curriculum which takes place over the first four days, 
• the WFR Bridge which takes place on days 5-8 (if you currently hold a valid WAFA certification)
• or the full 80 hr WFR course (if you have no prior certification)
• Nova Scotia only: WFR Recertification option Days 1, 6, 7, 8 (if you currently hold a valid WFR certification)

*Note: OBC and many wilderness based programs require WAFA or  WFR to lead remote wilderness trips. Certification programs such as ACMG, Paddle Canada and SKGABC also require that candidates have a current WFR or WAFA to maintain their guiding or instructing certifications.

This course teaches the critical thinking and focussed patient management required when self-evacuation is the only option. It puts the first aid provider in the position of being responsible for patient care for an extended period and teaches in-depth medical concepts, with the goal being the understanding of a “systems-oriented” approach to patient care.

The course alternates between lecture-based sessions and outdoor practical evolutions. It includes realistic scenarios based on the type of situations that search and rescue groups may experience in the course of their work in the backcountry.

Eligibility Requirements

Registration links will be sent out to eligible participants only. If you have any questions regarding registration, please email: admissions@outwardbound.ca

1. Must be 18 years of age or older.
2. Must be a Canadian citizen, have a Permanent Residency, Student Visa or Work Visa.
3. Must be registered in, or have completed the Training Academy Essentials program (workshops and/or outdoor journey) prior to certification course start date.
4. Preference will be given to Black, Indigenous, People of Color and 2SLGBTQ+ individuals.
5. Must have current or future professional goals which require this certification to work as an outdoor instructor or guide within the next year.
6. Successful applications will be notified by an email. Please note we require at least three weeks notice if you are unable to attend.