Wilderness First Aid (WFA)
16-Hour Industry Standard Course
Choose from either our hybrid course or our 2-day in person course
Hybrid - Online, self paced course material plus one day in classroom/field practice.
2 Day - 2 days in person classroom / field practice with optional online course material.
Multiple Dates Available
$260 & up
Proudly serving the Northern Nevada, Reno-Tahoe and Yosemite regions.
Our Wilderness First Aid programs accept a co-ed student class.
Unlock the Essentials of Wilderness Safety with Our Certified Wilderness First Aid (WFA) Course
If you're passionate about backpacking, mountaineering, backcountry skiing, wilderness hiking solo or simply love engaging with the great outdoors, this course is a MUST DO. Wilderness First Aid is crucial for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities, providing the essential skills needed to handle emergencies in remote environments.
Join our Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course, that offers the industry standard 16 hour wilderness first aid curriculum and a Wilderness First Aid certificate from Survival Med. Choose from either a hybrid course that perfectly blends self-paced online training and one classroom/field day of practical, in-person instruction, or a full two-day in-person course . Designed specifically for those that want to thrive in the outdoors.
Course Highlights
Injury Assessment and Basic Life Support
MARCH & SAMPLE patient assessment protocols
Breathing, circulatory & nervous system assessment
Spinal stabilization
Basic CPR & Heimlich maneuver training
Common Outdoor Medical Problems
Treating & stabilizing impalements, broken bones, finger amputations
Muscle injuries
Bleeding, wounds
Cold injuries, heat illness
Lightning and altitude illness & more
Wildlife Attacks and Treating Injuries
Dealing with grizzlies, black bears, mountain lions; snakes & scorpions
Other venomous animal & insect bites, stings
Rabies prevention
Communicable & waterborne diseases
Weather Hazards
Heat & cold related injuries
Wildfires, lightning & burns
Floods, tides & drowning
Avalanches & earthquakes
Acute mountain & altitude sickness (AMS, HACE, HAPE)
Terrain & Temperature Considerations
Route, logistics & supplies planning
Avoiding getting lost
Signaling for rescue
Finding and treating water for safe drinking
Maximizing chances of being found alive
Includes two-year certificate accepted by NASAR, NPS, USFS & many others.
Survival Med is Alpinistas Adventures wilderness medicine partner, with programs that are accepted by the National Assn for Search & Rescue (NASAR) for SARTECH II Certification, US National Park Service, Forest Service, Sierra Club chapters & many more. Survival Med partners with the University of Utah School of Medicine Wilderness Program with curriculum that meets WFME Standards for Distributed & Distance Medical Education. In addition, college credit available through University of Colorado-Denver.
Dates and Locations
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January 25, 2025
Starting at $260
Alpinistas Classroom
17025 Mt. Rose Highway, Reno, NV 89521
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February 15, 2025
Starting at $260
Truckee, CA
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March 15, 2025
Starting at $260
Alpinistas Classroom
17025 Mt. Rose Highway, Reno, NV 89521
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March 29-30, 2025
$379
Upper Pines Campground, Yosemite National Park
Intensive Weekend Program includes:
- Additional survival scenarios
- Extended wilderness field time practice
- Campsite reservation for Friday and Saturday night at Upper Pines Campground in Yosemite Valley
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May 10, 2025
Starting at $260
Spooner Lake - Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park
(just outside of South Lake Tahoe)
What’s Included
A professional female wilderness medicine instructor
Online course material for self-study side of the program plus:
1 virtual team meeting for class day prep
1 classroom and field day for in person training and testing
WFA Certification from Survival Med upon successful completion of in-person test at event.
Permit fees & park entrance reservation
Special discount to shop at Alpinistas store
Activity, Fitness & Skills
These trips range are rated Beginner to Beginner+ as these are front country courses with minimal foot travel required.
Not Included
Meals, beverages
Park entrance fees where required or parking fees, if applicable
Personal gear for day outside
Guide gratuities
Expert Female Leadership
Our Wilderness First Aid course is led by a seasoned wilderness medicine expert who brings invaluable real-world experience to the classroom along with further instructor training from industry recognized (and also female-led) Survival Med.
Gear List
Layering is the key to staying comfortable while being active outdoors. When packing, try to bring only what you need. This not only makes your load lighter but also helps our amazing field staff.
If you've already booked your trip, don't worry! You’ll be getting emails with a detailed list of what you'll need to bring (plus tons of other helpful information).
Are you looking to reduce your carbon footprint or save some money? Check out our rental page for great gear to borrow for your trip or shop at Alpinistas Re-Cover department for gently used gear online.
Get ready to conquer the outdoors, Alpinistas! We can't wait to see you on the trail.
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Outdoor apparel to be comfortable outside
Hat, sunblock, sunglasses
Outdoor footwear
Lunch, snacks, beverages
For campground event
All personal camp gear
Have questions about the gear list?
Give us a call at 775-230-7125 or send us a chat or email.
Save Up to 10% On This Trip
Enroll in Alpinistas Star Rewards and earn points when you shop outdoor gear and apparel at Alpinistas!
The more you shop, the higher the elevation. The higher the elevation, the more discounts you get on gear and Alpinistas Adventures trips!