If you are more than 60 minutes from a medical facility, the Boy Scouts of America recommends that at least one leader have Wilderness First Aid Training (WFA). Adventure bases require one or two leaders to have WFA.
The WFA training course, hosted by Mountain Valley District, teaches participants how to assess and treat an ill or injured person in a remote or sometimes austere environment. Course participants will learn how to assess, treat, and when possible, prevent medical and traumatic emergencies within the scope of their training.
The course capacity is 30 students, so don’t delay registering to hold your spot. You can hold a spot through online registration, then print and complete one registration form per participant within 30 days.
When:
- Friday, April 12, 6 – 9 p.m.
- Saturday, April 13, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Saturday, April 20, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where:
30 Red Fox Lane Bozeman, Montana 59718.
Who Needs WFA?
If you are more than 60 minutes from a medical facility, BSA strongly recommends that at least 1 leader have Wilderness First Aid Training. Adventure bases require 1 or 2 leaders to have WFA.
Where is WFA Offered?
Mountain Valley District offers a course each year, and other Montana Districts are working to set up a course. In addition to the BSA/ESCI course, courses approved by the ACA fulfill the WFA requirements. These are the options for Montana. Check the specific agency website for schedule and price information.
- Aerie Medicine Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder Couse in Bozeman, Missoula, and Kalispell ($205)
- NOLS Wilderness First Aid Courses (2 or more days) in Bozeman with Crossing Latitudes ($275).
Other:
- Scout Leaders – Wear Field Uniform for Friday/Saturday morning & Activity Uniform (Class B) beginning Saturday before lunch. Members of the public or non-uniform Scouters please dress in comfortable clothing you will get dirty on both Saturday sessions.
- Must attend all 3 days for certification
- Must have CPR/AED certification before you can be given WFA certification. (WFA certification requires CPR/AED certification).
Course Fee:
Registers Scout Leaders or Scouts:
$100 New and Re-certification
Members of the Public:
$150 Members of the public are welcome in the course for any slots available as of February 1, 2022. Use the website form to be placed on the waiting list.
Instructor Development Course (when offered)
$150
Books:
Students will receive the spiral-bound WFA Field Guide, 3rd Edition as part of the course. You can also order separately the Wilderness First Aid – 6th edition is a paperback textbook with more pictures and in-depth information.
Description:
The Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course will help you prepare for the unexpected. This fast-paced, hands-on training is designed to meet the needs of Scout Leaders, camp staff, outdoor enthusiasts and individuals working in remote locations. It will introduce you to caring for people who become ill or injured far from definitive medical care. Classroom lectures and demonstrations are combined with realistic scenarios where mock patients will challenge you to integrate your learning. At the end of the course, you’ll have the knowledge, skills and ability to make sound decisions in emergencies.
Taught by seasoned instructors in a two or two and half-day format, this course includes many advanced topics:
Topics include:
- Patient Assessment System
- Evacuation Plans and Emergency Procedures
- CPR (on some courses)
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Shock
- Head Injuries
- Wilderness Wound Management
- Athletic Injuries
- Fracture Management
- Dislocations
- Cold Injuries
- Heat Illness
- Altitude Illness
- Lightning
- The Medical Patient
- Anaphylaxis
- Wilderness First Aid Kits
Registration:
Registration is open now. Course usually fills up so register early before it opens to the public.
Email Course Director Mike O’Donnell with any questions about the course. Please read the registration materials first.
Course Capacity
30 Students
Instructor Development Course
The ECSI Instructor Development Course (IDC) is designed to prepare new instructors who may have little or no formal medical background to teach Wilderness First Aid. Certified ECSI Instructors can both teach Wilderness First Aid with an established Education Center OR apply to start a new education center. The IDC is only offered periodically based on interest. It may be offered in 2025.
The Montana Council IDC provides a comprehensive education in course instruction as well as administration. Instructor candidates participate fully in the course preparation, injury simulation, instruction management, and course materials. Candidates must:
- Participate in 3 IDC meetings held on Zoom in advance of the WFA course.
- Participate in 3 instructor team meetings.
- Prepare a teaching segment under the guidance of the lead WFA instructor. Successfully deliver the training during the course.
- Attend 2024 MVD WFA course recommended (or equivalent)
Prerequisites
Instructor candidates should have a current WFA certificate or equivalent experience.
More Information
Please contact IDC Course Director Betsy Eubanks for more information about future opportunities.
