Wilderness First Aid
Golden, CO
Dec 25, 2026 - Dec 27, 2026
About This Session
Prepare for the unexpected with this engaging, hands-on introduction to wilderness medicine, taught over two or two and a half days. If you like to take short trips relatively close to medical resources, work at wilderness camps, enjoy weekend family outdoor activities, or recreate outdoors, this course is for you.
This course is great for people of all experience levels, and is best suited for those who recreate outdoors where EMS response can be expected in a timely manner (fewer than eight hours). You’ll learn the Patient Assessment System, how to provide effective first aid treatments for injuries and illnesses common in the outdoors, and how to make appropriate evacuation decisions.
You’ll learn both in the classroom and in outdoor settings regardless of weather, so come prepared for wet, muddy, cold or hot environments!
Course Policies
Please review our policies including cancellation policies, attendance requirements, minimum age requirements, and more.
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Additional Details
Academic Credit (Learn more)
This course is approved for 1 college credit through the University of Utah and 0.5 college credit through Western Colorado University.
Course Approval
This course is recognized by the American Camp Association to meet specific ACA standards requiring certifications. The course meets the Boy Scouts of America Wilderness First Aid training requirements. Additionally, the Wilderness First Aid course (WILDMI-554) is approved by the United States Coast Guard to meet the first aid and CPR training requirements of 46 CFR 11.201(i)(1)(ii) and 46 CFR 11.201(i)(2)(iiI) for a merchant mariner credential.
Keep Your WFA Certification Current
How long does a WFA certification last?
A NOLS Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification is valid for 2 years. Make sure to retake the course every 2 years to keep your certification and skills up to date.
Recertifying Other Certifications
The WFA may also be used to recertify your Wilderness Advanced First Aid, Wilderness First Responder and the wilderness portion of your Wilderness EMT certification. If you’re using the WFA to recertify, you’ll need to pass both a written and a practical examination.
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Customer Service
Registration and all customer service for this course are handled by NOLS Wilderness Medicine.
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Questions about this course?
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