Bellingham, WA | MTB Wilderness First Aid (WFA)

$375.00

The ability to ride fast and far is what makes mountain biking so thrilling, but these freedoms don’t come without risk. Learn preventative and emergency first aid management skills adapted specifically for mountain bikers while enjoying the world-class trails of Galbraith Mountain in this two-day WFA program. (WFR-Recertification available via this Program).

Dates:

The ability to ride fast and far is what makes mountain biking so thrilling, but these freedoms don’t come without risk. Learn preventative and emergency first aid management skills adapted specifically for mountain bikers while enjoying the world-class trails of Galbraith Mountain in this two-day WFA program. (WFR-Recertification available via this Program).

Prepare for your next adventure.

Our Wilderness Medicine For Mountain Bikers course covers the essentials of wilderness and emergency medicine, tailored to injuries and scenarios most common in mountain biking. You’ll spend a combined 13 hours on-trail for skills and scenario training, with 4-6 hours of self-paced precourse work issued 4 weeks prior to the course. Practice treating life threats, stabilizing injuries, and evaluating and managing medical and environmental hardships. Ages 14+ (for participants under 18, please see additional requirements below).

These trails don't maintain themselves. A huge thank-you to the Whatcom Mountain Bike Coalition (WMBC) for building and stewarding the trails that make this course possible.

“I liked all the pre-course videos and all the hands on practical scenarios! I loved that we were out on the trails doing this! I also liked the diversity of the instructors, lots of great experience!”
— Bellingham WFA MTB Student

  • • Wilderness First Aid certification, valid for 2 years

    • CPR: AED Adult/ Child/ Infant, valid for 2 years 

    • Wilderness First Responder-Refresher for those holding a current WFR Certification or within their grace period, valid for 2 years. Additional e-labs apply. Please reach out if you are unsure of your eligibility for recertification.

    • Washington Epinephrine Auto-Injector Certification, valid for 2 years

  • • Manage risk through pre-trip planning and preventative techniques: communications, first aid kits, sports nutrition and hydration, rider and equipment checklists, trip itineraries.

    • Assess and treat life threatening emergencies: airway management, hemorrhage control, CPR, shock, and stabilization.

    • Practice common trauma techniques: wound and fracture management, head injuries, neck and spine injury, blunt trauma, burns, dental and eye trauma.

    • Develop important judgment skills for the assessment and evacuation of medical and environmental emergencies in the backcountry: heat and cold emergencies, animal bites and stings, lightning and adverse weather, search and rescue basics, cardiac and respiratory emergencies, diabetes, seizures, anaphylaxis.

  • Day 1

    Galbraith Mountain: 8:00AM - 4:30PM

    Ride: 7-10 miles, 900 feet vertical, ‘Intermediate’

    Trails: SST Mountain Bike Trail

    We’ll meet at the Whatcom Falls Pump Track at 8:00AM for check in and our CPR skills lab. We’ll hop onto our bikes and head to Galbraith Mountain, stopping for skills and scenario practice. Around noon, there is a trailside lunch break before the afternoon, when we will continue riding with intermittent stops for trauma skills and scenario practice. The day wraps up around 4:30PM. 

    Day 2

    Galbraith Mountain: 8:00AM- 4:30PM

    Ride: 7-10 miles

    Trails: Bob’s Trail and SST Mountain Bike Trail

    Meet at the Whatcom Falls Pump Track for another day training on the world class trails of Galbraith Mountain. The course meets again at 8:00AM and finishes back at the lot at 4:30PM.  

    *Note: The itinerary is fluid and is subject to change for safety and weather/environmental factors including wind, rain/snow, Air Quality Index, trail closures, traffic considerations, etc.

  • This program is designed to be highly experiential. Thus, students will be expected to be comfortable riding 10+ miles through intermediate terrain, and both ascend and descend 1000 feet. For skills practice you will need to be able to get on and off the ground, squat, and lift the weight of your bike. Equipment must be in good working order, and it is advised to bring a kit to maintain your bike. Consideration should be taken to ensure you are fit enough to embark on these trails. Please contact BMG if there are questions about student fitness requirements.

  • All of our programs have a minimum age requirement based on physical intensity and/or the mature nature of the online and in-person content. The minimum age for this program is 14, with anyone under 18 requiring guardian consent. Anyone under 16 years requires guardian consent as well as a chaperone (who must also enroll in the course). We reserve the right to make exceptions to this policy depending on circumstances. If you have any questions, please reach out to info@backcountrymedical.org to see whether an exception is possible.

  • This course is held rain or shine and will require clothing suited for the weather. The following is a list of gear you will need to bring with you:

    • Mountain bike

    • Helmet

    • Backpack

    • Riding shoes

    • Hat (sun hat or warm hat)

    • Sunscreen

    • Rain jacket

    • Warm layers

    • Water bottle

    • Food for lunch and snacks (lunch is not provided or available during the course)

    ***A manual with lecture notes is provided at the beginning of the course and can be used to take notes.

  • Nestled in the beautiful Pacific Northwest and 30 miles from the Canadian border, Bellingham, Washington, has recreation opportunities in all directions. Between the North Cascades’ beautiful peaks, the town’s abundant trails, and both waterfront and island access, outdoor recreation is a cornerstone of this vibrant community.

  • Bellingham is our home base for good reason. Mountains, trails, waterfront, islands; it's all right here. We're glad you're coming.

    Where to Stay
    We have partner rates with several hotels near our program locations:

    • Hotel Bellwether: On the waterfront, pet-friendly, steps from downtown. 10% off with this link.

    • Hotel Leo— Historic building in the heart of downtown. 20% off with this link.

    • Heliotrope — Quiet, laid-back, close to the marina. Fire pits, outdoor space. Up to 15% off with this link.

    • Prefer to camp? Larrabee State Park has saltwater shoreline, 18 miles of trails, and views of the San Juans. Visit Parks.wa.gov for details.

Cancellation and Transfer Policy