Wilderness First Aid (WFA)

Wilderness First Aid (WFA) is the most comprehensive medical training and certification PBEM can offer to Active NETs. 'Wilderness' in this case does not necessarily mean a remote, unpopulated area. It describes any austere environment where a hospital or other emergency medical facility is not quickly available -- such as the Portland metro area after a major earthquake.

NET WFA training is open to individuals who are not healthcare professionals or professional rescuers, but who desire wilderness first aid knowledge and skills.

Please read the sections marked Essential below before signing up for WFA training.

Training Overview

Section Importance: Essential

Eligibility: WFA training is open only to Active NETs in good standing who have current Adult CPR/AED certification recorded in MyImpact ("MIP") at the time they register for the class. See Prerequisites below.

Delivery: In-person, instructor-led. Some self-study is required before the class.

Duration: Up to 21 hours, over three days. The first two days are classroom lecture and hands-on practice, and the third day is mostly outdoor exercises and might not run to full time. Specific cohort schedules are listed in the MIP sign-up; they do not appear here.

Flexible scheduling: No. Participants must complete WFA training in a single, three-day cohort. Partial credit, virtual attendance, and make-up sessions are not available for any reason. We understand that 'life happens' but the curriculum does not permit any flexibility for less than full, in-person attendance. If you must miss any portion of the sessions, you must start over again in the future.

Weather accommodation: None. Classes proceed rain or shine, unless PBEM is responding to a severe weather incident.

Certification: Yes. Participants who successfully complete WFA training receive a two-year electronic certification 'card' from HSI.

Class size: 10 students per instructor. Typically PBEM schedules cohorts of 20 students, with two co-instructors.

Training materials: A copy of the HSI Student Book ($19 value) is provided by PBEM to students to keep. All consumables used during classes are provided.

Cost to student: $0. Students will assemble or purchase their Wilderness First Aid kit at their own expense.

Market value of training: $350 - $550 from for-profit training centers.

Prerequisites

Section Importance: Essential

• WFA students must already have current, unexpired Adult CPR/AED certification listed in MIP > My Profile > Qualifications to register for WFA training. WFA trainings will not appear in your MIP Opportunities list if proof of current Adult CPR/AED status has not been submitted to PBEM.
  • If you have current Adult CPR/AED certification which is not recorded in your MIP profile, email PBEM a scan or PDF of your non-expired certification card.
  • If you need an Adult CPR/AED certification or recertification class, watch NET Bulletins and/or the MIP Activity schedule for announcements of periodic, free PBEM-provided trainings. Please do not write to inquire about upcoming Adult CPR/AED classes because all trainings are posted in MIP and Bulletins as soon as they are scheduled. Volunteers also may obtain Adult CPR/AED certification from a third party and submit proof of certification; the out-of-pocket cost is typically $80-$130, which PBEM cannot reimburse. Some employers offer this training to employees as well.
• The mailing address in your MIP profile must be up to date, or you will not receive your Student Book. Volunteers must update their contact information themselves. Your Student Book will be mailed to this address in advance of class. See the MIP Opportunity sign-up for your specific cohort for additional information about obtaining your Student Book.
• A few hours of pre-class studying must be completed in advance. Your instructor will email your assignment at least one week before your first class. Please do not write to inquire unless you have not been contacted seven days before your training begins.
• A strong stomach. The training includes photo and video images of real-life wounds, bleeding, and disfigurements.
• Some First Aid training beyond Basic NET Training is recommended but not required.

Time Commitment Required

Section Importance: Essential

Before signing up, please understand the commitment required.

1. This is a three-day, 21-hour, in-person training. Two days are in the classroom and the final day includes outdoor field exercises. The exact schedule for each cohort is listed in the MIP signup.
3. Please review the Sample Student Handbook which includes a list of the class topics.
4. A few hours of pre-work is required. Your Student Book and assignment will be provided in advance.
5. PBEM offers this training to Active NETs for free, but the value of this class is around $400. Unexplained no-shows waste your tax dollars and could preclude a volunteer from other future advanced training opportunities.
6. However, if you have any signs of illness before class, please do not come! Instead email PBEM to let us know; this will not be held against you of course.

These requirements are not negotiable. Many hundreds of Active NETs are eligible for this training and PBEM does not have time to consider exceptions.

What this training is not

Section Importance: Essential

• This training is not open for individuals seeking WFA recertification. If your WFA certification has expired, please do not sign up for this training as a refresher. PBEM's program goal is to provide WFA training once for as many NETs as possible before opening seats for recertification. To recertify, please look for a refresher class from other organizations. PBEM cannot reimburse volunteers for the cost of recertification. Also see Continuing Education below.
• This training is not WFR (Wilderness First Responder) training. WFR is an 80-hour course which PBEM cannot offer. It is available from training centers in Oregon for $800 - $1,100. PBEM cannot reimburse volunteers for the cost of WFR training.
• This class is not a substitute for professional medical certification such Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or EMT certification. PBEM does not provide professional-level or medical licensing certifications.

Continuing Education

Section Importance: Supplemental

PBEM provides on-line continuing education sessions via Zoom, approximately monthly. NETs with WFA or higher medical certification may view Zoom access information and sign up in MIP under Opportunities > Advanced Training. These informal sessions do not bestow any CEU credits.

Course Topics

Section Importance: Supplemental

• Protecting Yourself
• Legal Considerations
• Moving and Lifting
• Scene Assessment
• Focused Assessment
• Shock
• Control of Bleeding
• Major Wounds
• Facial Injuries
• Minor Wounds
• Cleaning, Closing, and Dressing Wounds
• Burns
• Head, Neck or Back Injuries
• Musculoskeletal Injuries
• Extended Injury Management
• Altered Mental Status
• Breathing Difficulty, Shortness of Breath
• Abdominal Problems
• Pain, Severe Pressure, or Discomfort in Chest
• Poisoning
• Heat Emergencies
• Cold Emergencies
• Bites and Stings
• Submersion (Drowning)
• Lightning Strikes
• Altitude Illnesses
• Emotional Considerations
• First Aid Kits
• Protection from the Elements
• Water and Food