Description

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.

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

• Mikaela Osler, WEMT
• Witt Wisebram, WEMT

Schedule

• Check-in is between 7:30-7:45 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

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2026 course information

Escalante

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 7:30-7:45 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 of our guided trips. We recommend that you:

• Overnight in or near town on April 20
• Attend the course on April 21
• Start your trip on April 22

Cancellation policy

If you ARE on a guided trip, the cancellation policy is described here.

If you are NOT on a guided trip, the cancellation policy is:

• $50 administrative fee if you cancel within seven days after registration;
• 50 percent refund if you cancel more than 30 days in advance of the course;
• No refund if you cancel within 29 days or less of the course.