Wilderness First Aid Certification | San Francisco Bay Area
Hands-on medical training for hikers, guides, scouts and outdoor professionals.
Why Train with Safety Training Pros?
When you’re exploring the steep trails of Mount Tamalpais, the fog-swept East Bay hills, or the rugged North Coast, professional medical help is often miles—and hours—away.
Our Wilderness First Aid (WFA) courses are specifically designed for “delayed-care” scenarios common in Northern California’s remote landscapes. We focus on calm leadership and real-world judgment to ensure you are prepared for the “what ifs”.
What You’ll Learn
Our 16-hour Wilderness First Aid course blends classroom instruction with immersive outdoor simulations.
Core Skills & Outcomes
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Patient Assessment System (PAS): Perform structured assessments, including scene safety, initial surveys, and head-to-toe exams.
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Trauma & Injury Management: Master bleeding control, shock recognition, and specialized care for head, brain, and spine injuries.
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Environmental Emergencies: Learn to manage hypothermia, heat illness, dehydration, altitude issues, and lightning strikes.
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Medical Care: Respond to allergies, anaphylaxis (epinephrine administration), and other common wilderness medical crises.
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Splinting & Movement: Practice stabilizing musculoskeletal injuries and making critical patient movement decisions.
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Leadership & Documentation: Use SOAP notes to document findings and lead effectively during high-pressure rescue scenarios.
Who Should Attend?
Wilderness First Aid certification is designed for anyone spending time away from immediate EMS access. It is highly recommended for:
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Outdoor Professionals: Field workers, SAR volunteers, and outdoor educators.
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Youth & Community Leaders: Scout leaders and camp staff.
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Adventure Seekers: Hikers, backpackers, climbers, paddlers, and travelers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in Wilderness First Aid (WFA) training?
WFA is a 16-hour course covering patient assessment and emergency care in remote areas where professional help is delayed. Topics include trauma management, environmental emergencies (hypothermia, heat illness, altitude), and evacuation through hands-on backcountry scenarios.
Do I need medical or professional experience for Wilderness First Aid?
No, there are no medical prerequisites for Wilderness First Aid training. This course is designed for anyone—guides, scouts, or outdoor enthusiasts—who spend time in areas where emergency medical services are more than a few minutes away.
Who should take a Wilderness First Aid Course?
Recommended For: Avid hikers, teachers leading school trips, backcountry guides, canoe trip leaders, private expedition groups, college/university outdoor education programs, hiking club trip leaders, wilderness therapeutic programs, and adventure race safety personnel. And anyone who enjoys time in remote locations.
What is the age requirement for Wilderness First Aid training?
Training is recommended for ages 14 and up, with parental consent for minors.
What is a SOAP Note?
You will learn to use SOAP (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan) notes to facilitate professional patient handoffs to rescue teams.
Is there an online option?
At this time, our wilderness first aid courses are hands-on and in-person.
How is the learning structured?
Teaching methods include an emphasis on didactic lectures and plenty of hands-on, experiential skill practice and scenarios.
How can I sponsor or host a Wilderness First Aid course?
Contact Katryna Anderson, Director of Education at info@safetytrainingpros.com for course scheduling needs.