Guided Trips

Wilderness First Aid Certification

At select locations we offer Wilderness First Aid (WFA) courses, in partnership with the University of New Mexico International Mountain Medicine Center (IMMC) and Department of Emergency Medicine.

Course structure

The course includes:

  • 8 hours of online learning, which you will complete beforehand; and,
  • 8 hours of practical skill work, which you will complete with us in-person.

Certification

Upon completion of this course, students will receive either a Wilderness First Aid (WFA) Certification issued by the UNM International Mountain Medicine Center, valid for 2 years.

If students have a current Wilderness First Responder certification (WFR), UNM will recertify their certification, valid for 2 years. The certification must be current and can be from any wilderness medicine company. Students eligible for WFR re-certification will have some additional material added to their online preparation. You may want to familiarize yourself with re-certification requirements of various organizations (e.g. NOLS) to ensure that your next re-certifications will not be adversely affected.

Who should take this course?

The WFA course is prudent training for individuals (and informal trip leaders) who spend time in wilderness where delayed access to care, challenging environmental conditions, sub-optimal medical equipment, limited communications, and independent decision-making are the norm. Students will gain applicable medical knowledge and a framework for managing medical issues in the field.

Objective

  1. To understand the theory and application of wilderness medicine.
  2. To gain a working knowledge of various mountain medicine problems.
  3. To recognize signs and symptoms of various injuries and diseases and their
    treatment.
  4. To develop the ability to make decisions, under duress, during an emergency
    in a remote location.
  5. To successfully perform the skills needed at Wilderness First Aid level in an
    austere environment.
  6. To develop a basic clinical assessment and medical reasoning skills.

Prices

  • If you are on a guided trip, the price is $225.
  • If you are not on a guided trip, the price is $285.

This course has been priced notably below-market because (1) we can, based on our costs to offer it; and (2) we’d like to make this information more financially accessible. Taken through another organization like NOLS or REI, this course costs around $400.

How to sign up

For current course availability, refer to the trip schedule.

If you are applying for a guided trip, in the Application Form indicate your interest (First Choice, Second Choice) in the available sessions. The course fee will be added to your trip invoice. If you have already submitted your application, email me/Andrew so that I can add you manually.

If you are not applying for a guided trip, register and pay here.

Register here (if you’re not on a guided trip)
Wish this wasn’t a client of mine, but it was. Vic badly strained his LCL, to the point that self-rescue and even a mule ride was implausible. Thankfully the park helicopter and a medical crew were available.

Online lectures (8 hours)

  • Patient Assessment
  • Ortho Injuries
  • Wound Care
  • Head Trauma
  • Heat Illness
  • Lightning
  • Allergic Reactions
  • Medical Emergencies
  • Altitude Illness

In-person skill sessions (8 hours)

  • Patient Assessment Review
  • Basic Airway Management
  • Bleeding Control & Shock
  • Splinting & Spinal Cord Protection
  • Bites & Stings (applicable to local area, snakebites, etc.)
  • Hypothermia
  • Patient Packaging & Movement
  • Rescue & Patient Care Scenarios
  • Additional Topics Tailored to Group Needs
  • Course Wrap-Up

About the International Mountain Medicine Center

The International Mountain Medicine Center (IMMC) at the University of New Mexico is one of the premier programs for mountain emergency medicine and rescue in the world. Our faculty consists of mountain rescue paramedics, emergency medicine physicians, and mountain guides. We focus our teachings on internationally accepted and evidence based concepts, and strive to contribute to the general knowledge base of our field through research, education, and our own mountain rescue practice in New Mexico. Our internationally recognized courses equip health professionals with the knowledge and skills to adapt their medical practices to the mountains. 

Lead instructors

Schedule

  • Check-in is between 7:30 am and 7:45 am
  • The course runs from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with an hour-long break for lunch at noon
  • Bring a lunch, or plan to purchase food at one of several local establishments.

What to bring

  • Notebook and pencil or pen
  • Outdoor work gloves (gardening, leather, or canvas)
  • Personal bottle of hand sanitizer
  • Watch with a second hand or digital second
  • Sunglasses and/or protective eyewear
  • Water bottle
  • Light hiking boots or sturdy shoes 
  • Clothing layers that allow you to be comfortable in a variety of weather conditions, including a hat

2025 course information

About the course in southern Utah

Location

  • The Escalante Interagency BLM Visitor Center – 755 W Main Street, Escalante, UT
  • Please walk or carpool so we don’t take up all the parking
  • Meet in front of the building by the lizard statue for check-in from 7:30-8 AM

Travel and scheduling

Refer to this page for lodging/camping, restaurant, and grocery options in Escalante.

The course will be held before Session 1. We recommend that you:

  • Overnight in or near town on April 21
  • Attend the course on April 22
  • Start your trip on April 23

About the course in West Yellowstone

Location

Travel and scheduling

Refer to this page for lodging/camping, restaurant, and grocery options in the Yellowstone area.

The course will be held after Session 3. We recommend that you:

  • Finish your trip on September 19, and overnight in or near course location
  • Take course on September 20
  • After the course, head home