When you explore the remote landscapes of Northern California, the distance between you and the nearest hospital can be measured in hours or days. In these settings, wilderness first aid training is the most essential piece of gear you can carry.
At Safety Training Pros (STP), we believe that the best way to care for yourself, your hiking partners, and community is to be prepared for the “what ifs.” Whether you are seeking a WFA certification for personal safety or professional requirements, our courses provide the clinical skills you need while fostering the confidence to stay calm and compassionate during a crisis.
1. What is a Wilderness First Aid Course?
A wilderness first aid course is specialized medical training for “delayed-care” scenarios where resources are limited and environmental factors are high.
Unlike standard urban first aid, a WFA course from STP focuses on:
- Extended Patient Management: Sustaining a patient’s physiological stability over long durations.
- Resource Improvisation: Applying improvised splinting using available equipment.
- Evacuation Decision-Making: Utilizing clinical assessments to determine the necessity and urgency of a patient evacuation.
2. Professional Standards & Your Certification
Your safety is our priority. That is why our training is based on the guidelines of the Wilderness Medical Society and meets or exceeds the standards established by the Wilderness Medicine Education Collaborative.
When you train with us, you receive a Safety Training Pros Wilderness Medicine certification.
- 3-Year Validity: Get more for your money with a wilderness first aid certification that lasts longer. Our 3-year window reduces your long-term costs and gives you more time between renewals compared to standard providers
- Clinical Rigor: Our curriculum covers everything from wound management to high-level evacuation strategies.
3. Join a Wilderness First Aid Class in Northern California
We are proud to be a premier provider of wfa certification throughout Northern California. We host regular classes throughout the region, including:
- Sacramento Wilderness First Aid
- Bay Area Wilderness First Aid
- Wine Country Wilderness First Aid
- & Beyond!
Don’t see a class in your area? Contact us and let us know where you want to see a class. We are always looking for new opportunities to bring safety training to your local trails.
4. The STP Syllabus: A 16-Hour Intensive
Our wilderness first aid training involves a minimum of 16 hours of in-person instruction, blending lecture, skills labs, and scenario practice. You can review the Wilderness First Aid course syllabus here.
Day 1: Foundations & Primary Systems
- Patient Assessment System (PAS): Mastery of the R-ABCDE initial survey and a comprehensive Head-to-Toe focused survey.
- Trauma Management: Training on bleeding control (including tourniquets and hemostatic agents), Shock, and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI).
- Musculoskeletal Injuries: Learning to stabilize injuries with splinting and traction.
Day 2: Environmental & Medical Emergencies
- Environmental Hazards: Detailed management of hypothermia, heat stroke, lightning injuries, and drowning.
- Anaphylaxis Management: Successful completion includes an Epi Administrator Certificate.
- Medical Issues: Managing asthma, chest pain, diabetes, or seizures in remote environments.
- Final Simulations & Scenarios: Students must demonstrate competency during 3.5 hours of multi-patient scenarios.
