Learn to deal with the unexpected through this 2-day first aid skills course for backcountry travel. Earn your Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certificate.

Whether a first timer or a veteran of backcountry adventure, preparation and training are the keys to a fun, safe, and successful time in the wilds. Learn how to prevent, assess, and treat both common and rare, but life-threatening injuries and illnesses. Earn a Wilderness First Aid (WFA) Certificate, learn a ton, and have fun! No previous experience necessary Ages 14 & up welcome.

Not completely sold? Why Everyone Needs to Take a Wilderness Medicine Course

Topics

  • Wilderness Medicine Introduction and Epidemiology
  • Prevention and Scene Safety
  • Primary and Secondary Assessments
  • Patient Assessment and Documentation
  • Spinal Issues and Patient Movement
  • Head Injuries and Altered Mental Status
  • Shock and Cardiac Issues
  • Respiratory and Abdominal Issues
  • Musculoskeletal Injuries and Splinting
  • Wounds and Burns
  • Cold and Heat Related Injuries
  • Drowning and Lightning

 

Expert faculty from the University of Colorado School of Medicine will teach through a combination of lectures, hands-on practical skills, and scenarios. Successful participants will earn a Wilderness First Aid certificate from the School of Medicine.

Enrollment limited to ensure optimal learning.

Payment of the full balance is due 30 days before the start of the course. If payment is not received 30 days prior to the start of class, you will be dropped from the course. If you register for a class fewer than 30 days prior to its start date, you are expected to pay in full on the day of registration. If you have any questions or concerns please contact course coordinator, Meagan Rivers at Meagan.Rivers@CUAnschutz.edu.

The University of Colorado reserves the right to make international cancellations up to 6 weeks and domestic cancellations up to 4 weeks prior to the course start date, in which case a full refund will be provided. The University of Colorado will not be held liable for any travel expenses or any other loss of funds the participants may incur due to the cancellation of the course. Trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended.

Refunds:
No refunds will be granted for cancellations made 29 days or fewer prior to the start of the program. Please note that partial payments and deposits are not eligible for refunds.

Payment Deadline:
Full payment is expected 30 days prior to the start of the course. Lack of full payment within 30 days of course’s start date will result in being dropped from the course without refund.

Student Code of Conduct
Students will be required to read, sign, and follow a Code of Conduct that includes both rights and responsibilities. The code will describe learning and especially behavioral expectations, which will be similar to codes expected at most higher education institutions. The code will also describe consequences if there is failure to abide by the rules, which could include immediate suspension from the program, in which case the student will be responsible for leaving the class and property, with no refund provided.

Voluntary, involuntary, or medical separation
Should a student choose to leave the class early, be asked to leave the program early (see “Code of Conduct” below), or need to leave due to medical issues, s/he will be responsible for her/his own travel home and for any associated costs.

Rights and Responsibilities: Student Code of Conduct
University of Colorado School of Medicine
Wilderness & Emergency Medicine Program

Students in the University of Colorado School of Medicine Wilderness program are members of the University community. As such, students are expected to uphold University standards, which include abiding by international, state, civil, and criminal laws and all University laws, policies and standards of conduct. These standards assist in promoting a safe and welcoming community; therefore all students and participants must uphold and abide by them.

The University strives to make the learning community a place of study, work, recreation, and residence where people are treated, and treat one another, with respect and courtesy. The University views the Student Conduct Process as a learning experience that can result in growth and personal understanding of one’s responsibilities and privileges within both the University community and the greater community. Students who violate these standards may be subject to the actions described in the University’s Student Code of Conduct. These procedures are designed to provide a welcoming learning community and fairness to all who are involved in the process.

Philosophy of Student Conduct: We strive to learn from one another in an educational environment that holds mutual respect for individuals and self-responsibility for behaviors community in high regard. Students who engage in behavior that conflicts with established standards, laws, policies, and guidelines may be dismissed from the program. Every member of the student community must assume responsibility for becoming educated about the various University standards, policies, and guidelines.

Diversity Statement: We are committed to a campus community where diversity is appreciated and valued, and where all individuals are treated fairly and with respect. We encourage curiosity, open communication, and continuous learning as ways to create a socially just environment. We respect the right for individuals to disagree with ideas and philosophies different from their own. However, we do not permit any form of behavior that places anyone in dangerous, discriminatory, or harassing environments. It is against the basic nature of this community for anyone to demean or discriminate against another human being.

Creating a Safe Learning Environment: We strive to provide a safe and welcoming learning environment and community. Such a caring, educational community does not tolerate physical or psychological threats, abuse, hazing, harassment, intimidation, or violence directed against a person, sexual or otherwise. In addition, students engaging in such behavior are subject to the University conduct processes.

Alcohol and Drugs: Students in a University of Colorado School of Medicine global education program must abide by host country laws and local institutional regulations with respect to alcohol and drugs. Unless permitted by host country law and local institutional regulations, participants will not possess, consume, furnish, or distribute any alcoholic beverages. The University of Colorado School of Medicine has a zero-tolerance policy with respect to the possession, use, manufacture, production, sale, exchange, or distribution of illegal drugs. Students are responsible for knowing and obeying the laws of the host country as well as all local institutional regulations, regarding alcohol and other drugs. Violations of law or policy may result in immediate dismissal from the program.

University Policies: Students are required to abide by University of Colorado School of Medicine/Anschutz Medical Campus policies, including CU Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus Code of Conduct, while enrolled in the program. For the Code of Conduct please see http://www.ucdenver.edu/life/services/standards/Documents/CUDenver-CodeofConduct.pdf

Host Country Customs: Students are responsible for abiding by the laws and customs of the host country, community, institution and program. In addition they are responsible for being sensitive to the social norms of the host culture. Students are also subjected to the disciplinary codes and processes of the host institution.

Dismissal: If a student seriously disrupts the group learning process, or if student’s behavior gives the faculty or program director reasonable cause to believe that continued presence in the program poses a danger to the health or safety of persons or property, or impedes, disrupts or obstructs the program in any way, the student will face immediate dismissal. Alcohol, drug, or weapons-related violations, harassment, or assault are so seriously problematic that dismissal is highly likely. Before a student is removed from the program, she or he will have an opportunity to explain her or his conduct to the faculty or program director(s). A decision of dismissal from the program would be final, immediate, and no refund would be made. Transportation and other expenses related to the student’s return home country would be at the student’s own expense.

Health: Students are responsible for their own health maintenance during the program. In the event of serious illness, accident or emergency, students are responsible for informing an appropriate program official and for granting permission to authorize emergency medical treatment so that assistance may be secured and so that designated emergency contact(s) may be notified. Students authorize U.S. Embassies and Consulates to release information concerning their welfare and whereabouts to the University of Colorado.

If you are unable to attend an in-person course, please consider taking our online Basic Wilderness First Aid course!

Questions? Reach out to us today!

Upcoming Dates

2024 Dates TBA