Private NOLS Wilderness First Aid (WFA)
Certificate Course for Corporate & Team Training
Nationally recognized wilderness medicine training delivered for your organization.
Train your employees, volunteers, or team members with the trusted NOLS Wilderness Medicine curriculum.
We coordinate private courses for organizations throughout Northern Nevada and California at your location or a mutually agreed training venue.
Private Courses Are Scheduled on Demand
Private courses are offered by request and scheduled based on instructor availability, your preferred dates, and minimum participant requirements.
We'll work with you to determine the best course format, location, and schedule for your team before preparing a custom proposal.
Build the Skills to Respond When Help Isn't Nearby
Whether you're exploring the outdoors for recreation or working in remote environments, emergencies can happen when professional medical care is hours away. The right training gives you the confidence to assess a situation, provide effective care, and make sound decisions until help arrives.
The NOLS Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course is the nationally recognized standard for introductory wilderness medicine. Through two days of hands-on instruction, realistic patient scenarios, and practical skills training led by a certified NOLS Wilderness Medicine Instructor, you'll learn how to assess patients, manage common wilderness injuries and illnesses, and determine the appropriate course of action in remote settings.
This certification is designed for hikers, backpackers, climbers, trail runners, hunters, paddlers, skiers, outdoor educators, guides, camp staff, search and rescue volunteers, and professionals working in the field—including environmental scientists, geologists, utility crews, and others who recreate or work where emergency medical care may be delayed.
What You'll Learn
Patient Assessment & Emergency Decision Making
Perform a complete wilderness patient assessment using the NOLS Wilderness Medicine system
Identify life-threatening conditions and prioritize care
Monitor changes in a patient's condition over time
Make informed decisions when professional medical care may be delayed
Determine when to treat in the field, evacuate, or activate emergency services
Wilderness Injuries
Wound cleaning, bandaging, and bleeding control
Caring for fractures, sprains, strains, and dislocations
Splinting techniques using both commercial and improvised materials
Head, spine, chest, abdominal, and soft tissue injuries
Managing burns and other traumatic injuries in remote environments
Environmental Emergencies
Heat exhaustion, heat stroke, dehydration, and fluid management
Hypothermia and cold-related injuries
Altitude illness, including AMS, HACE, and HAPE
Lightning-related injuries
Environmental hazards commonly encountered in wilderness settings
Medical Emergencies
Allergic reactions and anaphylaxis
Asthma and respiratory emergencies
Diabetes and altered mental status
Seizures and neurological emergencies
Cardiac emergencies and other common medical conditions encountered outdoors
Wilderness First Aid Skills
Patient packaging and movement considerations
Long-term patient care when evacuation is delayed
Improvising care with limited equipment
Communication and emergency response planning
Building confidence through realistic, hands-on scenarios
Who Should Take This Course?
The NOLS Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course is designed for anyone who works or recreates in locations where emergency medical care may be delayed. No prior medical training is required.
This course is ideal for:
Mining, utility, and infrastructure field crews
Environmental scientists, geologists, and field researchers
Search and Rescue volunteers and emergency response teams
Outdoor educators, camp staff, and youth organizations
Guides and outdoor recreation professionals
Government agencies, conservation organizations, and land management personnel
Hikers and backpackers
Climbers and mountaineers
Trail runners, mountain bikers, hunters, anglers, and paddlers
Skiers, snowboarders, and snowshoers
Anyone who wants the confidence to respond to medical emergencies in remote environments
Whether you're working in the field, leading others outdoors, or planning your next adventure, you'll gain practical, nationally recognized wilderness medicine training that prepares you to respond when every decision matters.
Looking to join our open to the public course instead?
We also offer private NOLS Wilderness First Aid courses a few times a year in Northern Nevada and California.
Why Choose NOLS Wilderness Medicine?
For more than 50 years, NOLS Wilderness Medicine has set the standard for wilderness medical education, training hundreds of thousands of outdoor enthusiasts, guides, educators, search and rescue volunteers, and field professionals around the world. Its evidence-based curriculum is trusted by individuals, employers, and organizations seeking practical medical training for remote environments.
Every course is taught by a certified NOLS Wilderness Medicine Instructor using the nationally recognized Wilderness First Aid (WFA) curriculum. Through realistic patient scenarios, hands-on skills practice, and interactive learning, you'll develop the confidence to assess patients, make informed decisions, and provide care when emergency medical services may be delayed.
Whether you're preparing for your next backcountry adventure, meeting professional training requirements, or building emergency preparedness for work in the field, you'll leave with practical skills and a nationally recognized certification respected throughout the outdoor industry.
Course Details
Course Length: 2 Days (16 Hours)
Schedule: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Certification: NOLS Wilderness First Aid (WFA), Valid For 2 Years
CPR - Optional add-on available
Prerequisites: None
Venue: Your location or a mutually convenient location we confirm
Request a Custom Proposal
Every organization has different scheduling needs, locations, and participant counts.
We'll prepare a customized proposal based on:
Desired course (WFA or WFA + CPR/AED)
Number of participants
Preferred training dates
Training location
Any organization-specific requirements
Resources & Downloads
Academic Credit (Learn more)
This course is approved for 1 college credit through the University of Utah and 0.5 college credit through Western Colorado University.
Course Approval
This course is recognized by the American Camp Association to meet specific ACA standards requiring certifications. The course meets the Boy Scouts of America Wilderness First Aid training requirements. Additionally, the Wilderness First Aid course (WILDMI-554) is approved by the United States Coast Guard to meet the first aid and CPR training requirements of 46 CFR 11.201(i)(1)(ii) and 46 CFR 11.201(i)(2)(iiI) for a merchant mariner credential.
