Wilderness and Remote First Aid Certification

Course Overview:

This two-day course provides essential training in wilderness and remote first aid, preparing participants to respond to medical emergencies in environments where traditional emergency medical services may be unavailable or delayed. You’ll learn how to assess, stabilize, and care for injuries and illnesses in remote settings, using minimal supplies. This hands-on, scenario-based training is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, adventure travelers, or anyone seeking to be better prepared for the unexpected.

IMPORTANT: A CPR/AED certification is required for this course. Please email support@reanimator.work to confirm that you have the appropriate certification. A generous discount is available if you sign up for both classes!

Who should join:

• Hikers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts who spend time in remote areas, and who currently have a CPR/AED certification.
• Wilderness guides, outdoor educators, and leaders who may be responsible for others in backcountry settings.
• Individuals looking to enhance their first aid skills for outdoor or travel adventures in areas without immediate medical assistance.

Criteria:

• Terrain: The course will take place outdoors and may include walking over uneven terrain, mimicking the conditions where wilderness first aid may be needed. Location is subject to change, but will be a blend of urban and trail environments within Santa Fe limits.
• Physical Exertion: Basic physical fitness is required, as participants will practice first aid scenarios in outdoor environments that may involve lifting, carrying, and moving patients. If you would like to request accommodations, please send us an email.

Core Topics Covered:

• Primary and Secondary Patient Assessments
  • Scene safety and patient evaluation in remote settings
  • Assessing breathing, circulation, and injuries
• Trauma and Injury Management
  • Fracture stabilization and splinting using improvised materials
  • Managing head, neck, and spinal injuries
  • Wound care: bandaging, cleaning, and controlling bleeding
• Environmental Emergencies
  • Recognizing and treating hypothermia, heat illness, and dehydration
  • Altitude sickness and cold-related injuries
  • Snake bites, insect stings, and allergic reactions
• Medical Emergencies in the Wilderness
  • Recognizing and treating shock
  • Managing diabetic emergencies, asthma attacks, and allergic reactions
  • Recognizing signs of heart attacks and strokes
• Improvised First Aid Techniques
  • Building splints and slings with limited supplies
  • Crafting stretchers and patient transport methods
  • Water purification and safe hydration strategies in the field
• Group Scenarios and Hands-On Simulations
  • Simulated emergency scenarios for trauma and illness in remote environments
  • Role-playing exercises to practice team-based decision-making and patient care
  • THERE WILL BE FAKE BLOOD. Please prepare appropriately.

Course Format:

• Day 1: Foundational knowledge and hands-on practice for basic and advanced first aid techniques
• Day 2: Full-day outdoor scenarios and group simulations focused on injury management and environmental emergencies

What to Bring:

• Comfortable outdoor clothing (long sleeves, pants) appropriate for weather conditions
• Sturdy shoes for outdoor terrain
• Personal water bottle (minimum 2 liters capacity)
• Snacks and lunch for both days
• Personal first aid kit (optional, for practice use)
• Notebook and pen for taking notes
• Sunscreen, hat, and warm layers for outdoor sessions
• Work gloves recommended
• Personal first aid kit recommended for hands on practice
• Headlamp recommended
  

Certification:

Participants will receive Red Cross Wilderness & Remote First Aid certification valid for two years