Intro Wilderness First Aid (2-days)

Course Outline

The following topics, skills, and techniques are covered through a series of lessons delivered through online, in-class, pre-course reading assignments, and outdoor field simulations.

All IWFA courses wil be conducted in compliance with our Covid-19 Protocols.

• Scene survey
• Basic Life Support (CPR)
• (A) Airway and C-Spine
• (B) Breathing
• (C) Circulation
• (D) Disability
• Extremity Injuries and Treatment (fractures, sprains, strains, dislocations, splints, dressings, wound care)
• Wounds – bleeding, dressing and bandages
• Hypothermia
• Hyperthermia
• Burns
• Allergies & Anaphylaxis
• Animal encounters
• Medical Illnesses
• After Care
• First aid kits
• Legal considerations

IMPORTANT NOTE ON DATES: Please note that training days start at 08:00 am and finish between 4-5 pm, unless otherwise indicated by Instructors or in pre-course materials.

Preparing for your Intro to Wilderness 1st Aid course – How to Prepare for IWFA course

How much studying is required?
Before the course begins, you will be sent a pre-course package with reading materials and study sheets. During the course, the class sessions run from 8am – 5pm both days, and there will be a small amount of homework after the first class. This course will require your full attention and should not be taken if you are also working or have other commitments during the course dates.

How much time is spent outdoors?
We have designed our curriculum to ensure students are practicing outdoors as much as possible. Most skills are taught in the classroom, but you will spend a portion of each day outside in order to practice in a realistic, outdoor environment.

Is there a minimum age for participants taking the IWFA course?
Students must be at least 16 years old at the time of the course for the Introductory Wilderness First Aid course. Students between 16 and 18 years of age must have a parent or guardian approval.

IMPORTANT – the Introduction to Wilderness First Aid (IWFA) course locations may vary from one course date to another, please ensure you confirm the correct location for your course date! Students are responsible for getting to and from the course areas on each day

All IWFA courses wil be conducted in compliance with our Covid-19 Protocols.

On day-1, the first class session will be held at one of our Classrooms. On most dates the class will be held at either our office/classroom at #240-400 Brooksbank Ave, North Vancouver (1 block up from MEC); or, at the West Vancouver Cricket Club in Hugo Ray Park, 1290 3rd St, West Vancouver.

You will receive email instructions 2-3 days in advance of the course for the specific meeting points for the first day of your course. Both days of the course include indoor and outdoor sessions and will finish by 5 pm.

You will receive final meeting and location details for the class in advance. The Introductory Wilderness First Aid course will start promptly at 8 am on the first day of the course. There will be a break for lunch, and the course will end at approx. 5:00 pm each day. Street parking is available.

The course will be split between classroom and field sessions, please come prepared for conducting field simulations outdoors in all weather conditions.

Waiver & Medical Disclosure

Complete the required Waiver and Medical disclosure form in advance of your program. Click on the link and navigate to the specific program and date that you are registered for:
• Canada West Mountain School Waiver and Medical disclosure form

Cancellation & Transfer policy

Review the CWMS cancelation and transfer policy:
• Canada West Mountain School Refund/transfer Policy

Online Student Manual

Wilderness Medical Consultants provides the Introduction to Wilderness First Aid manual in an online format for our IWFA courses:
• Online Student Manual