Standard Courses
real life medical training for remote work and recreation
Being medically prepared in the backcountry is just as critical as having a map and compass! Get the proper wilderness medical training by taking a Wilderness Medical Associates International (WMA) course.
Standard Courses Available:
Wilderness First Aid (WFA)
Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA)
Wilderness First Responder (WFR)
Bridge (WAFA to WFR)
Open Recertification
Are you prepared to handle a medical emergency while in the backcountry?
WMA Wilderness First Aid
(WFA)
The best and most comprehensive course of its kind to offer relevant and realistic first-aid training for seasonal outdoor activities or short term wilderness endeavors and pursuits. Wilderness First Aid is a two-day introduction to general medical concepts and basic life support skills. It is targeted to the outdoor enthusiast on day trips or short adventures. The course is taught by professional instructors with significant patient care and backcountry experience.
WMA Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA)
An entry-level course designed for professionals working in significantly remote settings for days or weeks. Wilderness Advanced First Aid is comprehensive medical training designed for remote professionals or wilderness leaders who venture into remote and challenging environments. Wilderness Medicine differs significantly from standard first aid courses and other training that are oriented toward urban environments. This course teaches how to manage medical emergencies when hospitals and rescue services may not be available for an extensive time period. We prepare students for emergency situations that involve prolonged patient care, severe environments, and improvised equipment.
WMA Wilderness First Responder
(WFR)
The definitive wilderness course in medical training, leadership, and critical thinking for outdoor, low-resource, and remote professionals and leaders. The Wilderness First Responder program is the ideal medical training for leaders in remote areas including outdoor educators, guides, military, professional search and rescue teams, researchers, and those involved in disaster relief. The curriculum is comprehensive and practical. It includes the essential principles and skills required to assess and manage medical problems in isolated and extreme environments for days and weeks if necessary.
The WAFA to WFR Bridge course upgrades the Wilderness Advanced First Aid to a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) in 4 days. This course must be taken within 3 years of receiving the WMA International WAFA certification or an equivalent from another provider. The WFR is the definitive medical training course for all outdoor professionals and enthusiasts. This course may be used as a recertification for those holding a current WFR certification or equivalent from another provider whose original WFR training was at least 64 hours in length. Current WMA International Wilderness EMS Upgrade students may also use this course to recertify the wilderness portion of their certification.
WMA Bridge
(WAFA to WFR)
Our course covered a huge amount of important information while making it digestible and understandable, taking time to answer all questions, and give useful examples. I left Jill’s course feeling confident in my wilderness first aid knowledge and abilities.”
- N. Knowles
How to Get Certified
Find the Course that is Right for You & Register!
2. Attend Your Course - Gain Skills & Confidence!
A Wilderness first aid course will take you well beyond traditional first aid. We teach the procedures and the principles behind them. We want you to know how body systems behave, not just how to memorize signs and symptoms. Once you have taken one of our courses you will never forget what to do; you will understand what needs to be done.
3. Respond to Medical Emergencies & Maintain Your Certification
Whether you work or play in remote areas, our practical curriculum in wilderness medicine will prepare you to make confident decisions in the field. Your certification is valid for 3 years and must be renewed by taking another course before expiry.
Wilderness Medical Associates (WMA) International
Partnering with organizations in an array of industries, Wilderness Medical Associates International provides the highest quality medical training to those who work or play in remote areas. Our teaching methods and treatment principles give students the skills and confidence to respond to emergency medical situations.
Our cutting-edge curriculum, exceptional instructors, and conceptual approach to training is the most sought-after in our industry. WMA curriculum has been taught on all 7 continents and is recognized around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Visit our upcoming courses page and find the course that suits your needs. Complete the registration form and submit your payment. You’ll receive an email additional details and information within a few days of your registration.
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Yes! Our courses are designed to accommodate students with no previous medical knowledge
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No, if your certification has expired, you will not be able to recert and will have take the full WFR course again. If you have questions, please contact us.
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You can start with a 4-day WAFA course and later complete a 4-day Bridge course (WAFA to WFR) to upgrade to your WFR certification orr you can take a 5-day hybrid WFR
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Our courses offer a mix of in-class lecture type of learning along with hands-on practical skills work. Be prepared to be up and moving and we’ll often be outside.
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Course costs are listed on the upcoming course page. This is just the tuition fee and does not include meals, travels or accommodations unless otherwise noted.
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Age requirements vary from course to course. See the minimum requirements for each program on the individual course page.
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For over 40 years, Wilderness Medical Associates International (“WMA”) has been teaching practical medicine to people who work in remote and difficult environments. The core curriculum is designed to provide the skills and insight needed to improvise, adapt, and exercise reasonable judgment at any level of medical training. . WMA curriculum is constantly evolving based on careful analysis of the available science and considerable clinical experience measured against the reality of providing medical care in difficult and dangerous places.
Partnered with Wilderness Medical Associates
Partnering with organizations in an array of industries, Wilderness Medical Associates (WMA) International provides the highest quality medical training to those who work or play in remote areas. Our teaching methods and treatment principles give students the skills and confidence to respond to emergency medical situations.
Our cutting-edge curriculum, exceptional instructors, and conceptual approach to training is the most sought-after in our industry. WMA curriculum has been taught on all 7 continents and is recognized around the world.
