WILDERNESS FIRST AID

Our adventure-based Wilderness First Aid (WFA) courses are for outdoor professionals and enthusiasts. Participants learn fundamental wilderness medicine and preventative techniques while developing important judgment skills for outdoor emergencies. 

WFA: Hiking Programs

Featured
Bellingham, WA | Wilderness First Aid for Women
Bellingham, WA | Wilderness First Aid for Women
$350.00

This program is for Femmes only. Join us in beautiful Larrabee State Park - just 20 minutes outside of downtown Bellingham; home to Douglas Fir forests, gorgeous coastline, and expansive views of the Salish Sea. (Participants needing a WFR-refresher may take this course to receive recertification.)

April 11 - 12, 2026

Bellingham, WA | Wilderness First Aid (WFA)
Bellingham, WA | Wilderness First Aid (WFA)
$350.00

This WFA Program day hikes through beautiful Larrabee State Park; home to Douglas Fir forests, gorgeous coastline, and expansive views of the Salish Sea. Join us in Bellingham, WA! (WFR recertification available in this Program.)

May 16-17, 2026

June 13-14, 2026

Sept 12-14, 2026

Sept 26-27, 2026

Bellingham, WA | Wilderness First Responder-Refresher (WFR-R Only)
Bellingham, WA | Wilderness First Responder-Refresher (WFR-R Only)
$350.00

This Bellingham-based program is designed for Wilderness First Responders who need to recertify and whose WFR certification is still within the one‑year grace period. Refresh your WFR certification with day hikes through beautiful Larrabee State Park; home to Douglas Fir forests, gorgeous Salish Sea coastline, and expansive views of the San Juan Islands!

If these dates do not work for you, join one of our Wilderness First Aid courses and receive WFR recertification.

April 25-26, 2026

November 14-15, 2026

Big Sur, CA | Wilderness First Aid (WFA)
Big Sur, CA | Wilderness First Aid (WFA)
$395.00

Students practice skills and scenarios as they venture past crystal clear rivers, old growth redwoods, wind-swept bluffs, and remote beaches in this two-day WFA program. Big Sur provides a superlative location to earn your certification and gain skills for your next adventure. Limited tent camping is available upon request. (WFR recertification also available.)

March 28-29, 2026

June 20–21, 2026

December 12-13, 2026

Seattle, WA | Wilderness First Aid (WFA)
Seattle, WA | Wilderness First Aid (WFA)
$350.00

With the Salish Sea and the Cascades always close at hand, many in the Seattle community spend time adventuring on the water and in nearby wild spaces. This course focuses on practical first aid skills for those environments, helping participants feel prepared to respond to injuries and medical emergencies when they happen. (WFR recertification also available.)

We’re excited to offer this training in partnership with Sail Sand Point, the University of Washington, and the Seattle adventure community.

May 9-10, 2026 at Sail Sand Point

June 20-21, 2026 at University of Washington

WFA: Mountain Bike Programs

Featured
Santa Cruz, CA | MTB Wilderness First Aid (WFA)
Santa Cruz, CA | MTB Wilderness First Aid (WFA)
$375.00

Round out your mountain biking knowledge and skillset with wilderness medicine for when a ride doesn’t go as smooth as you’d hoped. Learn preventative and emergency first aid management skills adapted specifically for mountain bikers while enjoying the coastal and forested trails of Wilder Ranch State Park in this two-day program. (WFR recertification available.)

March 14-15, 2026

May 2-3, 2026

July 25-26, 2026

October 10-11, 2026

Bellingham, WA | MTB Wilderness First Aid (WFA)
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 for this Program).

April 18-19, 2026

May 9-10, 2026

September 26-27, 2026

WFA: Backcountry Ski & Snowboard Programs

Featured
Mt. Baker, WA | Wilderness First Aid & AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course
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Mt. Baker, WA | Wilderness First Aid & AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course
$695.00

This three-day backcountry ski/snowboard program includes Wilderness First Aid (or WFR-Refresher) and AIARE Avalanche Rescue certifications.

Please email info@backcountrymed.org to be notified if future dates are published.

WFA: Sailing Programs

We offer WFA Sailing Programs through Maritime Medical Guides, the seafaring branch of Backcountry Medical Guides. Class offerings include internationally recognized and accredited courses in Advanced First Aid/CPR For Mariners.

View Our Maritime Course Offerings