Wilderness First Aid (WFA) Course

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.

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.

SOLO-Divider1

Courses Dates

SOLO-Divider2
CourseDatesLocationTuition
Wilderness First Aid Apr 6th - 7th, 2024 Atlanta, GA $285
Wilderness First Aid Apr 6th - 7th, 2024 Black Mountain, NC $285
Wilderness First Aid Apr 13th - 14th, 2024 Greenville, SC $275
Women's Wilderness Weekend Apr 19th - 21st, 2024 Bryson City, NC $425
Wilderness First Aid Apr 27th - 28th, 2024 Bryson City, NC $260
Wilderness First Aid Apr 27th - 28th, 2024 Winston-Salem $285
Wilderness First Aid May 4th - 5th, 2024 Atlanta, GA $285
Wilderness First Aid May 11th - 12th, 2024 Bryson City, NC $260
Wilderness First Aid Jun 8th - 9th, 2024 Atlanta, GA $285
Wilderness First Aid Jun 15th - 16th, 2024 Chattanooga, TN $285
Wilderness First Aid Jun 29th - 30th, 2024 Bryson City, NC $260
Wilderness First Aid Jul 6th - 7th, 2024 Atlanta, GA $285
Wilderness First Aid Jul 13th - 14th, 2024 Bryson City, NC $260
Wilderness First Aid Aug 3rd - 4th, 2024 Bryson City, NC $260
Wilderness First Aid Aug 10th - 11th, 2024 Atlanta, GA $285
Wilderness First Aid Aug 10th - 11th, 2024 Grandfather Mountain, NC $285
Wilderness First Aid Sep 4th - 5th, 2024 Bryson City, NC $260
Wilderness First Aid Sep 7th - 8th, 2024 Bryson City, NC $260
Wilderness First Aid Sep 21st - 22nd, 2024 Atlanta, GA $285
Wilderness First Aid Oct 5th - 6th, 2024 Atlanta, GA $285
Women's Wilderness Weekend Oct 11th - 13th, 2024 Bryson City, NC $425
Wilderness First Aid Oct 26th - 27th, 2024 Bryson City, NC $260
Wilderness First Aid Nov 2nd - 3rd, 2024 Atlanta, GA $285
Wilderness First Aid Nov 9th - 10th, 2024 Greenville, SC $275
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

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

SOLO-Divider1

Course Outline

SOLO-Divider2

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.

SOLO-Divider1

Course In Action Photos

SOLO-Divider2
SOLO-Divider1

Packing List

SOLO-Divider2

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)

Connect With Us

Request Information

Newsletter Sign Up