Wilderness First Aid Training with Darien Fernandez – G24040404

This workshop is full. Please monitor our website for future offerings.

A Wilderness First Aid (WFA ) certification is an introductory course to wilderness medicine. This course is designed for interested people who have little or no experience in first aid or wilderness medicine. It is recommended for individuals who enjoy the backcountry, or are responsible for others while in the backcountry, (professional guides, youth leaders, etc).

The course provides scenarios in basic outdoor emergency medicine practices such as environmental concerns (heat, sun, cold, insects),  airway management, breathing emergencies, and circulatory problems. Included are common medical emergencies such as anaphylaxis, asthma, seizures, sprains/strains, and wound care. WFA focuses on trauma with in-depth discussions and hands-on training in splinting, bleeding control, and wound management. This WFA course also  includes topics such as evacuation, litter construction, backcountry communications, and decision-making.

Ghost Ranch is an ideal setting for this all-important training. Sessions will be conducted each day, with additional time for hiking and enjoying the surroundings.

A Wilderness First Aid certification is valid for 2 years. 

Tuition is free for New Mexico residents.

Daily Schedule:

Day 1: 9AM – 4PM

Day 2 9AM – Noon

Participants will arrive at 8:30AM on the first day of each session and leave their luggage in Convocation Hall. They will check into their rooms at 4PM, between session end and dinner.

Breakfast is not provided the first day, but lunch is included in the cost the second day.

The WFA program consists of a self-based online session (average of 8 hours)

and an 8-10 hour in-person session (Ghost Ranch). The online part must be completed before the in-person session. The link will be sent soon after you register.

There will be an assessment test after both parts are complete. This is online and must be taken within 30 days of the WFA class. An 80% passing grade is required but the test can be taken multiple times until a passing grade is achieved.