Course Overview
| Location | Course Date(s) | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| OC/LA Area | 2 Days: 2/7/26 + 2/8/26 | $360 | Sold out |
| SF Bay Area | 2 Days: 3/7/26 + 3/8/26 | $295 Sale! | Buy Now |
| OC/LA Area | 2 Day 5/2/26 + 5/3/26 | $295 Sale! | Buy Now |
| SF Bay Area | 2 Days: 6/13/26 + 6/14/26 | $325 Sale! | Buy Now |
Accidents happen when you least expect them. When they occur miles from 911 access, you are the first responder.
As the premier survival school in California, we provide the most comprehensive, hands-on medical training available for outdoor enthusiasts. Our 16-hour WFA Complete certification course is designed for hikers, climbers, and adventure guides who operate in the backcountry.
Unlike a standard classroom CPR class, this course takes place outdoors. We simulate real-world Wilderness First Aid Training Scenarios in Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, and the San Francisco Bay Area, ensuring you leave with the muscle memory to act fast when it counts.
What You’ll Learn on our 2 day Wilderness First Aid Course
This curriculum focuses on risk mitigation and practical application. You will learn to stabilize patients, manage scenes, and make critical evacuation decisions.
Trauma Management
- Patient Assessment System: The step-by-step protocol to identify life-threatening issues immediately.
- Wound Management: Stop the bleed, clean wounds, and prevent infection in the field.
- Musculoskeletal Injuries: assessing and splinting fractures and managing dislocations.
- Shock & Spinal: Recognizing shock and clearing the C-Spine.
Environmental Emergencies
- Temperature Regulation: Treating heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and hypothermia.
- Biological Hazards: Managing snake bites, insect stings, and anaphylaxis.
- Water & Altitude: Responding to lightning strikes, drowning, and altitude sickness.>
- Evacuation Protocols: When to stay, when to go, and how to call for help.
Course Details
- Duration: 2 Days (16 Hours total).
- Time: Between 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Both Days).
- Format: In-person, outdoors (Rain or shine for a real world training experience!).
- Prerequisites: None. No previous first aid training is required.
- Age Requirement: 16+ years old.
- What to Bring: Lunch, water, notebook, and clothing appropriate for the weather.
Certification Information
Upon successful completion of the course and practical exams, students receive the WFA Complete Certification from NASAR (National Association of Search And Rescue).
- Recognition: Nationally recognized by scouting organizations, outdoor camps, and guide services.
- Validity: Certification is valid for two years .
Training Locations
We hold training events throughout the state to serve our students:
- Orange County & Los Angeles: Frequent courses at Firestone Scout Reservation and surrounding areas.
- San Francisco Bay Area: Training held in the Santa Cruz Mountains and near Livermore, CA.
- San Diego County: Events hosted at Mataguay Scout Ranch.
- Sacramento & Lake Tahoe: Various locations.
FAQs
How long is WFA certification valid?
The NASAR Wilderness First Aid Certification is valid for two years from the date of completion. To maintain your certification, you must retake the course or a recertification class before it expires.
Is WFA required for outdoor guides?
Yes, most reputable guide services, summer camps, and outdoor organizations require at least a WFA certification for employment. It is the industry standard for entry-level outdoor leadership.
What is the difference between WFA and Wilderness First Responder (WFR)?
WFA is a 16-hour course covering the essentials for weekend trips, short-term wilderness adventures, and remote outdoor work settings. Wilderness First Responder (WFR) is a more advanced 70-80 hour course designed for professional guides working in remote locations for extended periods.
Is NASAR nationally recognized?
Yes. The National Association of Search And Rescue (NASAR) is a leading certifying body for Wilderness First Aid Training and other professional rescue skillsets. Their certifications are recognized by the Boy Scouts of America, the Girl Scouts, and major outdoor employers across the United States.
Do I need CPR certification to take this course?
No, previous CPR training is not a prerequisite to attend our WFA course. As an industry standard, CPR training is generally separate from WFA certification curriculum given its limited utility in the back-country. However, we highly recommend that students maintain a current CPR/AED certification alongside their wilderness medical training.