Wilderness First Aid (WFA)
Wilderness First Aid (WFA) is the most popular course and it creates a solid foundation in the basics of backcountry medical care. Our WFA course acts as a base introduction to responding to, and treating, medical and environmental emergencies, as well as introducing preventative strategies. SOLO Wilderness medicine provides the course curriculum and certification through Florida Outdoor Academy with SOLO certified instructors.
–The SOLO Wilderness First Aid course is recognized by the American Camp Association to meet specific ACA standards requiring certifications.–
Wilderness First Aid: $200
“BSA has identified the following providers as meeting the BSA’s requirements for WFA training: (1) American Red Cross , (2) Emergency Care & Safety Institute , and (3) providers accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA)“ Read More…
Click Here to view the American Camp Association Accredited List
Look For SOLO
Course Details
Who is the WFA for?
The WFA is the perfect course for the outdoor enthusiast or trip leader who wants a basic level of first aid training for short trips with family, friends, and outdoor groups. It meets industry guidelines for the BSA and American Camp Association.
What does it cost?
The cost is $200. This does not include CPR, but you can get your CPR certification for an additional $40
What is taught?
The WFA is 16 hours long (two days), and focuses on the basic skills of: Response and Assessment, Musculoskeletal Injuries, Environmental Emergencies, Survival Skills, Soft Tissue Injuries, and Medical Emergencies.
Click Here For the Course Outline
What about room and board?
Lodging is up to the student to secure. Florida Outdoor Academy is willing to help with suggestions and recommendations for local lodging options. In a few of our location we offer primitive camping. Classes held in Jacksonville FL offers camping at $10 a night. If camping is offered at other locations it will state it on the registration page and give you an option to include with your registration.
Is there an exam?
Yes, there is ongoing evaluation of practical skills, and there is a written examination and assessment upon completion of the course.
Do I get certified?
Yes. You will receive a SOLO WFA certification, which is good for two years. If you have choose to take CPR your certification is through American Heart Association (AHA) or ASHI
Can I recertify my WFR with a WFA?
Yes. You will receive a SOLO WFA certification, which can be used to recertify your WFR if your original certification was through SOLO or one of the other organizations we have reciprocity with, click here for a list. If you do not see your organization on the list please email rachel@floridaoutdooracademy.com.
Course Topics
- Introduction
- Anatomy of a Wilderness Crisis
- Anatomy of the Musculoskeletal System
- Asthma
- Backcountry Essentials
- Cold-Related Injuries
- Environmental Emergencies & Survival Skills (including lightning)
- Heat-Related Injuries
- Medical Emergencies & Critical Care
- Orthopedics
- Patient Assessment System
- Patient Lifting & Moving
- Principles of Fracture Care
- Rescue Plan
- Response & Assessment
- Soft Tissue Injuries & Medical Emergencies
- Spinal Cord Injury Management
- Sprains & Strains
- Techniques
- The Human Animal
- Trauma-Musculoskeletal Injuries
- Trauma-Soft Tissue Injuries
- Universal Precautions
- Use of Epinephrine
- What is Wilderness First Aid?
Reviews
Jenna Taylor
19:38 20 Oct 20
Rachel and Jesse were fantastic! They worked with our group at a pace that met everyone. We all learned so much and felt confident to use the skills they taught us. They were able to teach such serious content with a level of humor and lightheartedness that everyone had fun while learning. Can't wait to work with them again!read more
Brian Zeitz
13:28 14 Sep 20
Knowledgeable and experienced instructor. We came away feeling very pleased with the experience; a worthwhile course for sure!
Katherine Lester
17:07 19 Aug 20
I cannot recommend this training enough! I've taken CPR and First Aid training twice before and the level of instruction is incomparable. Rachel, provided us with comprehensive and clear directions along with an understanding into what is going on in the persons body during different emergencies and what our responses actually do to try and save them. She is incredibly knowledgeable and she dispelled many of the fears I had surrounding different emergency situations. Overall, I left feeling confident and capable in a way that I never have before.read more
Meri West
07:12 11 Sep 19
Rachel is a knowledgeable and competent trainer and guide! Kayaking with her is fun and interesting!
Kiara Yee
01:26 29 Aug 19
I took the SOLO Wilderness First Aid bridge to recertify my WFR with the Outdoor Academy and it was awesome! The instructor was very helpful and encouraging. The class was fun but also very informative. I would highly recommend them.read more
Serena Evans
16:57 03 Aug 19
I did my WFR recert course and it far exceeded my expectations. Rachel was an amazing instructor and the practical aspect of the course was both informative and fun. I would highly recommend Florida Outdoor Academy.read more
Meaghan Blackman
16:23 03 Aug 19
What an amazing time we had at Jacksonvilles Florida outdoor academy! I took the wilderness first aid class and not only did I learn a ton, we had a great group, and amazing instructors.You can truly see the passion that the instructors have and helping others!Their love for the outdoors and for our ecosystem!Cant wait to get recertified in two years! I highly recommend this class !read more
CARLOS CABRERA
15:45 03 Aug 19
If your looking for a Wilderness first aide class.This is it. I took the class cause I have two boys and we are outdoors as much as possible. The class was highly informative and very interactive. I feel very confident that if something happens to the boys or anyone else in our group I’ll be able to help and not be just a spectator.Thank you for offering this course! My wife is next.read more
Danielle S.
12:29 28 Jul 19
Excellent staff, incredibly valuable lessons, take your outdoor education to the next level with these guys
Kevin Bandy
12:21 27 May 19
The Wilderness First Aid course was a crucial component for our team and Rachel and Garret at Florida Outdoor Academy made the experience amazing. Rachel assessed our needs in a few conversations and gave us Garret as an instructor. Her instincts were spot on correct. Garret created supportive curriculum to make the scenarios pertinent to our unique envoronment. It felt like they really “got” us. Highly recommend. Genuine Jedi staff.read more
Troop Twentyfour
23:33 23 May 19
Took the Wilderness First Aid course. Great course. They take what can be dry material and make it interesting and fun. They also take the subject matter seriously, but don't take themselves too seriously. Highly recommend them if you need certification in this or other wilderness certifications.read more
Zoe Cummings
12:33 20 May 19
After taking the WFR recertification course with Florida Outdoor Academy, I feel more confident in my ability to handle emergencies in the Backcountry settings.
Adelaide Walker
16:01 26 Mar 19
This WFR course was an incredible experience! The instructors were extremely knowledgeable and made the class enjoyable, while also instilling confidence in each student and their abilities. I would recommend this course to anyone.read more
Al Frosio
16:10 24 Oct 18
5++ STARS!!!As an RN for 5 years, I was a bit skeptical about taking a first aid course...plus a bit shy. The truth is my experience and training as a nurse still left a lot to learn about how to be of real service in an emergency; outside the structure of the hospital. I went into nursing to care and respond to people in need, wherever I encountered them. This hit the nail on the head...I can say this was one of the best courses I have ever taken. The format of short specific training modules, followed immediately by field application- outside the facility, was PERFECT. The instructor, Catherine J was absolutely world class! Warm, engaging and super sharp! She delivered a lot of crucial lifesaving material in a short amount of time:)Honestly, I can't recommend this course and FOA enough. Thanks Catherine and FOA!read more
AL Frosio
16:06 24 Oct 18
5++ STARS!!!As an RN for 5 years, I was a bit skeptical about taking a first aid course...plus a bit shy. The truth is my experience and training as a nurse still left a lot to learn about how to be of real service in an emergency; outside the structure of the hospital. I went into nursing to care and respond to people in need, wherever I encountered them. This hit the nail on the head...I can say this was one of the best courses I have ever taken. The format of short specific training modules, followed immediately by field application- outside the facility, was PERFECT. The instructor, Catherine J was absolutely world class! Warm, engaging and super sharp! She delivered a lot of crucial lifesaving material in a short amount of time:)Honestly, I can't recommend this course and FOA enough. Thanks Catherine and FOA!read more
Logan Nolan
22:45 12 Sep 18
Florida Outdoor Academy was a wonderful educational resource. I was able to be certified in Wilderness First Aid(WFA) through their training from SOLO. Garrett and Cathrine were great instructors I would love to take another class!read more
Tommy Thompson
14:12 21 May 18
I just finished my (SOLO) Wilderness First Responder re-certification course with the Florida Outdoor Academy. What a fantastic course! Luckily, as a professional guide and paddlesports instructor I have had very little opportunity to practice my wilderness first aid. This course was a fantastic reminder of best practices in case of an emergency while in the field (and/or at home!). The instructors, Rachel and Garret, were super-knowledgeable, professional, and personable. And added benefit for this course were the gathering of like-minded people who are getting outdoors and being mindful of their responsibility of sharing the natural world and being available to help others.read more
Catherine Jean
13:18 04 Dec 17
Great SOLO WFA and WFR recent course in Jax this past weekend. Instructors and organizers were knowledgeable, professional, friendly and welcoming. We had a good time learning how to save lives. Highly recommend!read more
TE Stewart
17:27 23 Jun 17
Kudos to Florida Outdoor Academy for hosting a wonder, informative, and hands on learning experience.I attended the WFA course last weekend and came home with a wealth of knowledge. I feel confident that I can now utilize the tools at hand and treat/immobilize a variety of illnesses and injuries when the urban world is out of reach. Our instructor, Garrett came with an open attitude, positive energy, and taught in a way that made all the participants sponge in the info. If I was injured in a wilderness setting with the group in attendance, I know each and every one of them would also have the confidence to apply their new skill sets; I'd trust them to give me the first aid needed in a isolated environment.read more
Lauren Barth
23:00 12 Dec 16
Took the Wilderness First Aid course, an excellent introduction to first aid and how to apply in the backcountry. Gave me a lot to think about and to practice. Lectures are interspersed with practical scenarios. Excellent pairing of instructors, they bring together two very useful skillsets. Highly recommended!read more
Don Sullivan
18:47 20 Sep 16
Excellent training and excellent teaching staff. Training is very intense and well thought out
