Wilderness First Aid

New Student Information

Welcome to our community...

…we can’t wait to meet you!

Welcome to Wilderness First Aid (WFA) with CPR-C, a Canadian Red Cross certified program. If you adventure into the backcountry, and especially if you anticipate distance, terrain, weather or other circumstances might delay rescue for 12-24 hours or more, you are in the right place!

This page has a lot of information – and all of it is important!  Scroll down to learn about:

  • Locations

  • Schedules

  • Pre-study requirements and access

  • Study materials

  • Equipment

  • Assessments and Certifications

Before you go, please be certain that you:

  • Understand your course location and schedule.

  • Can access your online pre-study, and have allotted sufficient time to complete it before your course begins.

Learning Spaces

Vancouver Courses

  • Courses usually begin at our Vancouver Learning Center, 8168 Granville St, Unit 209. There is plenty of free street parking nearby, and the area is served by bus route #10.
    But don’t get too comfortable, because…
  • You will be spending most of your time engaged in hands-on training in Pacific Spirit Park.

*** Some courses take place entirely in Pacific Spirit Park.  Furthermore, Pacific Spirit Park has three outdoor learning areas that are close to each other, but… not that close.  You will receive an email approximately 7-10 days before your course begins with specific location instructions.  If you do not receive that email, please do not hesitate to contact us!  ***

Squamish Courses

  • Squamish courses begin, and are based out of, our Squamish Learning Center, 1909 Maple Drive, Unit 101. There is lots of free parking; the area is served by bus route #3.
  • Outdoor learning will take place nearby, with several outdoor options to choose from among the mountains, forests and rivers of Squamish.

Accommodations

For your convenience, our learning centers include drinking water, hot water, coffee, tea and a small fridge and microwave.

Schedules

There are two WFA course schedules – a 4 DAY CONSECUTIVE WFA and a 2 WEEKEND WFA. 

The first day the 4 day WFA has a very different start time from that of the 2 weekend WFA – be sure you know the schedule for the course you have chosen!

  • Most 4 Day WFA courses start Friday and end the following Monday. You will have registered for a course that looks like the Squamish Dec 20 – 23 course circled in red on the image.

  • 2 Weekend WFA courses start on a Friday and end the Sunday of the following weekend. You will have registered for a course like the one Vancouver Feb 14 – 23 course circled in blue on the image.

4 Day WFA Course Schedule (Circled in Blue)

  • Day 1: 9 AM to 6 PM
  • Day 2: 9 AM to 5 PM + Evening Activity
  • Day 3: 9 AM to 6 PM
  • Day 4: 9 AM to 6 PM

2 Weekend WFA Course Schedule (Circled in Red)

Day 1 (Friday): 5:00 – 10:00 PM
Day 2 (Saturday): 9 AM to 6 PM
Day 3 (Sunday): 9 AM to 6 PM

Day 4 (Friday): 5:00 – 10:00 PM
Day 5 (Saturday): 9 AM to 6 PM
Day 6 (Sunday): 9 AM to 6 PM

***This schedule is subject to minor changes from your instructor. Please monitor your emails in the days leading up to your course to make sure you don’t miss any communications.***

Online Training

There is no online training required for this program.  If want to do some pre-reading, feel free to check out our resources page, you beautiful nerd.  

Learning Materials

All study materials are included in the cost of the course.  Besides the online study material, you also get:

All materials are included in the cost of the course, including:

  • Canadian Red Cross Standard First Aid Online Modules
  • Red Cross Wilderness First Aid Field Guide
  • Wilderness First Aid Quick Reference Card

Equipment

Items in Bold Italics* are required. The rest are suggestions – there is no requirement for you to purchase this additional equipment just for the course! We recommend that you pack as you would for a day hike. All first aid materials and professional responder equipment will be provided.

  • Water, Meals & High Energy Snacks

  • Tactical Flashlight or Headlamp (preferred)

  • Notebook, Pencil / Pens

  • Sturdy, Outdoor Footwear (Season Appropriate)

  • Proper Seasonal Clothing (that can get dirty or stained)

  • Rain Coat and Rain Pants

  • Backup Insulating Layers (Including extra socks and warm hat) AVOID COTTON!

  • Watch

  • Camp chair (strongly recommended)

  • Personal First Aid Kit (inc. personal medications)

  • Waterproof Emergency Layer (poncho or garbage bag)

  • Rope / Paracord (10’)

  • Whistle

Assessments and Certification

Assessments

  • Written: You will complete a 25 question written assessment on the final day of your course.
  • Practical: Practical assessments are done throughout the course. Your instructor will work with you to ensure that your skills are sharp.

Certification

Upon successful completion of all course requirements and assessments, you will receive:

  • Red Cross Wilderness First Aid with CPR-C (3 years)

  • Red Cross Standard First Aid (Equivalent to Intermediate First Aid / OFA-2)

See You Soon!

We look forward to seeing you in class!

In the meantime, do not hesitate to contact us with any questions, comments or concerns you might have. 

Register Now!

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