Intensive Medical and Environmental Emergency Training
Advanced Wilderness First Aid (AWFA) is an intensive 4-day course that provides in-depth information on medical and environmental emergencies, alongside hands-on practice of backcountry first aid skills. Students learn from both in the classroom and in-field scenarios.
With an emphasis on leadership, students learn to confidently take control of medical situations. Over 4-days students learn patient assessment, injury management, and other necessary outdoor skills. This class goes into greater depth of the basic first aid subjects while emphasizing leadership skills. AWFA presents new skills such as litter packaging and traction splinting.
We believe in having a systematic approach to emergency situations so students can continue to develop their muscle memory, instincts, and improve reaction time for emergency situations.
This course includes American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI) CPR and AED certification.
We also offer a WFA-AWFA Bridge Course for those who hold a current WFA Certification and would like an intensive two-day course that provides in-depth information on medical and environmental emergencies alongside the hands-on practice of backcountry first aid skills, building upon current skills.
Lodging: Available through NOC
Meals: Available through NOC’s Restaurants
Recommended For: WFA-certified individuals looking to advance their skills.
Prerequisites: No Prerequisites Required
Certifications Received:
• 2-year AWFA Certification
• ASHI CPR and AED Certification.
Courses Dates
| Course | Dates | Location | Tuition | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced Wilderness First Aid | Apr 10th - 13th, 2025 | Bryson City, NC | $500 | |
| Advanced Wilderness First Aid | Aug 4th - 7th, 2025 | Bryson City, NC | $500 |
SOLO Southeast Reviews
"I feel much more prepared for future trips & adventures. Excellent balance of knowledge, humor, and hands-on learning. Very personable, respectful, and helpful!"
— Former SOLO Student
"Humor and honest feedback made this course stay interesting, educational, and overall very effective."
— Former SOLO Student
Course Outline
Course Topics
- Wilderness vs. Urban First Aid
- Patient Assessment System
- Patient Lifting and Moving
- Litters: Improvised and Commercial
- Medicolegal Issues
- Shock
- Traumatic Issues
- Musculoskeletal
- Spinal Cord Injury Management
- Soft Tissues Injuries
- Environmental Issues
- Medical Issues
Course Notes:
This course is extremely hands-on. Students will participate in various scenarios and skill labs. Be prepared for any type of weather conditions.
Course In Action Photos
Packing List
Print the course packing list by clicking on the print icon to the right.
You should plan to have clothing appropriate to the season in which you will be taking the class, as you will spend a significant amount of time outside. The following list is to SUPPLEMENT the clothing you will be wearing. If you have trouble locating some of these items please call us as we have a limited amount for loan.
Necessary items (for all classes)
- Backpack to put everything in (medium to large)
- Rain gear (tops and bottoms)
- Layers of clothing (for splinting exercises and to keep yourself warm during scenarios)
- Warm hat or sun hat
- Water bottles (at least 1 qt/litre)
- Some snacks
- Pen and notepad
- Wrist Watch (cell phone is not sufficient)
- Foot wear appropriate to the terrain (closed toes, no flip flops)
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
Additional items
(Optional for WFA, Required for AWFA, WFR, WEMT, WEMT Module)
- Old Sleeping bag or blanket
- Footwear you don't mind getting wet
- Knife
- Plastic tarp or groundsheet (min 6’X6’)
- Head light
- Sleeping pad (ensolite or thermarest)
- Personal first aid kit (Band-Aids etc)
- Trekking poles (useful but not required)