Wilderness First Aid

What is wilderness first aid?

Wilderness first aid, or “WFA”, is a generic term that commonly refers to any training course that focuses on prevention, assessment, and treatment for an ill or injured person in a remote environment where definitive care by a physician and/or rapid transport is not readily available. This is defined as being an hour or more away from advanced care.  WFA courses are intended for anyone planning a remote high adventure, from lay responders to medical professionals.

Why is WFA important?

WFA prepares participants to identify and address medical issues that can arise in the backcountry.

Generally, WFA courses contain substantial medical information and teach skills to respond to medical emergencies in the wild. It is important to remember that many providers offer “wilderness first aid” courses, but the courses vary in content, duration, accreditation, and other factors. 

A BSA-led task force developed a WFA training curriculum specifically for Scouts and Scouters to help them provide assessment and treatment miles from advanced care.  More information on the curriculum is below.  

Treatment skills are important, but so is educating Scouts and adult leaders to recognize illnesses early and minimize the potential for injury. The skills learned in a BSA-approved WFA course can save lives.

WFA is not just for the backcountry.  It is just as relevant in urban areas during hurricanes, floods, fires, or mass casualty events when emergency services might be strained.  WFA knowledge can be lifesaving.

“When an emergency occurs in the wild, the goal must be to provide the greatest good for the greatest number in the shortest time, and do no harm in the process.”

Who needs WFA?

Youth (14 years old and up) and adult Scout leaders are encouraged to take a 16-hour WFA course based on the specific curriculum developed by the BSA, which includes a management dimension that most course fail to address. Participants will likely find it the most valuable program they’ll ever take. 

WFA Certification

BSA has identified the following providers as meeting the BSA’s requirements for WFA training: 

1.  American Red Cross
2.  Emergency Care & Safety Institute
3.  Providers listed by the American Camp Association (ACA) under the ACA’s standard “HW.2.2/ST.3.2  First Aid & Emergency Care Personnel”. 

The ACA does not review or approve courses for BSA units. Please get in touch with your local BSA council for questions regarding a specific course or a list of approved providers. 

WFA courses offered by other providers do not meet the BSA’s wilderness first aid requirements. If WFA is required for your adventure (see BSA facilities’ requirements below), you must obtain a certificate of successful completion. In addition, a current CPR/AED certificate is also needed. If you have specific questions on equivalencies, reach out to the entity running the program requiring WFA.     

High Adventure Base WFA Requirements

All four of the BSA high-adventure bases (HAB) require at least one person per trek (two per trek at Philmont Scout Ranch) to be current in WFA through one of the BSA’s approved providers. Of course, having more participants trained in WFA skills is highly recommended for any high adventure or backcountry experience.

Many other councils that offer high-adventure programs are encouraged to require WFA training as part of their requirements. Check directly with the local council providing the high-adventure program for details. In addition, participants in unit-centered high-adventure programs would greatly benefit from WFA skills in the event of an emergency.

Course modules

The 2017 BSA WFA curriculum allows for additional scenario practice time which helps participants utilize their new skills in a controlled setting. Comments from previous participants found that the scenarios are helpful in providing immediate feedback, particularly to those with no medical background.

To download the BSA Wilderness First Aid Curriculum, click here.