Entry-Level Wilderness First Aid Training for Outdoor Enthusiasts
This 16-hour, 2-day entry-level course is the ideal certification for outdoor enthusiasts looking for basic first aid training and backcountry medical skills. Offered at our main campus at Nantahala Outdoor Center, in Atlanta, GA, and other Southeastern locations, Wilderness First Aid (WFA) covers topics ranging from preparation and prevention to assessment and treatment. Students will have an opportunity to learn practical skills through hands-on scenarios as well as in a traditional classroom setting.
Wilderness First Aid (WFA) is a 2-year certification. For an additional fee, taking a WFA course can also recertify a soon-to-expire Advanced Wilderness First Aid (AWFA) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification.
If you would like to recertify your WFR through a WFA, please call 828-366-7517.
This course does not include CPR. American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI) CPR and AED courses are scheduled on the first night of the WFA. Students add on a CPR course as an add-on available at checkout.
NOC Campus Lodging: Available through NOC
NOC Campus Meals: Available through NOC’s Restaurants
Recommended For:
Outdoor enthusiasts looking for basic first aid training.
Certifications Received:
• 2-year WFA Certification
• CPR Certification is optional for an additional fee
For Financial Aid Resources and documents, click here.
Calling all ladies! Looking for a weekend of hands-on education and wilderness survival skills for Women only? Check out our Women's Wilderness Weekend Course.
SOLO's bridge courses are designed to help students upgrade their current certification to the next-level certification. See all Bridge Courses, click here.
Courses Dates
| Course | Dates | Location | Tuition | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wilderness First Aid | Nov 23rd - 24th, 2024 | Bryson City, NC | $260 | |
| Wilderness First Aid | Dec 7th - 8th, 2024 | Bryson City, NC | $260 | |
| Wilderness First Aid | Dec 14th - 15th, 2024 | Atlanta, GA | $285 | |
| Wilderness First Aid | Jan 11th - 12th, 2025 | Bryson City, NC | $275 | |
| Wilderness First Aid | Jan 25th - 26th, 2025 | Atlanta, GA | $295 | |
| Wilderness First Aid | Jan 25th - 26th, 2025 | Columbia, SC | $295 | |
| Wilderness First Aid | Feb 15th - 16th, 2025 | Atlanta, GA | $295 | |
| Wilderness First Aid | Feb 22nd - 23rd, 2025 | Bryson City, NC | $275 | |
| Wilderness First Aid | Mar 8th - 9th, 2025 | Atlanta, GA | $295 | |
| Wilderness First Aid | Mar 12th - 13th, 2025 | Bryson City, NC | $275 | |
| Wilderness First Aid | Mar 22nd - 23rd, 2025 | Bryson City, NC | $275 | |
| Wilderness First Aid | Apr 12th - 13th, 2025 | Atlanta, GA | $295 | |
| Wilderness First Aid | Apr 19th - 20th, 2025 | Bryson City, NC | $275 | |
| Wilderness First Aid | Jun 14th - 15th, 2025 | Atlanta, GA | $295 | |
| Wilderness First Aid | Jun 21st - 22nd, 2025 | Bryson City, NC | $275 | |
| Wilderness First Aid | Jul 12th - 13th, 2025 | Bryson City, NC | $275 | |
| Wilderness First Aid | Jul 26th - 27th, 2025 | Atlanta, GA | $295 | |
| Wilderness First Aid | Aug 2nd - 3rd, 2025 | Bryson City, NC | $275 | |
| Wilderness First Aid | Aug 9th - 10th, 2025 | Atlanta, GA | $295 | |
| Wilderness First Aid | Sep 6th - 7th, 2025 | Bryson City, NC | $275 | |
| Wilderness First Aid | Sep 20th - 21st, 2025 | Atlanta, GA | $295 | |
| Wilderness First Aid | Oct 4th - 5th, 2025 | Atlanta, GA | $295 | |
| Wilderness First Aid | Oct 11th - 12th, 2025 | Bryson City, NC | $275 | |
| Wilderness First Aid | Oct 15th - 16th, 2025 | Bryson City, NC | $275 | |
| Wilderness First Aid | Nov 1st - 2nd, 2025 | Bryson City, NC | $275 | |
| Wilderness First Aid | Nov 8th - 9th, 2025 | Atlanta, GA | $295 | |
| Wilderness First Aid | Dec 6th - 7th, 2025 | Atlanta, GA | $295 | |
| Wilderness First Aid | Dec 13th - 14th, 2025 | Bryson City, NC | $275 |
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
"The best first aid class I have ever attended." - WFA 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
- Initial Survey
- Primary Survey
- Secondary Survey
- Documentation (SOAP Notes)
- Patient Lifting and Moving
- Shock
- Traumatic Issues
- Musculoskeletal – Sprains, Strains, & Fractures
- Spinal Cord Injury Management
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Stopping the Bleed
- Wound Cleaning
- Bandaging Skills
- Infections
- Burns
- Environmental Issues
- The Human Animal
- Hypothermia and Frostbite
- Heat Illness: Dehydration, Heat Exhaustion, & Heat Stroke
- North American Bites & Stings
- Lightning
- Back Country Essentials: Bivouac & Survival Skills
- Medical Issues
- Changes in Level of Consciousness
- Breathing Issues: Asthma, Allergic Reaction, etc.
- Anaphylaxis
- Diabetes
- Chest Pain
- Written Test and Course Completion
Course Notes:
Please note that these are a list topics and subjects typically covered in the Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course. Topics and subjects may not be taught in this order or progression.
SOLO Courses are very hands-on and include many outdoor scenarios and skills labs so participants will have time to hone their skills. We spend time outside - rain, snow, or sunshine so be prepared for the weather.
CPR and AED is not included in the WFA, but CPR is offered the first night after class. Anyone wishing to sign up for CPR & AED will need to register for that class separately.
Course In Action Photos
Packing List
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)