24-Hour Remote and Basic First Aid Blended Course
This comprehensive 24-hour course is delivered over 2.5 days (20 hours), supplemented with online learning. In-person sessions take place both in a classroom and outdoors.
Designed as an excellent introduction to wilderness first aid, this course is ideal for individuals working in non-traditional environments or recreating in the backcountry. However, it is not suitable for those in leadership or guiding roles, or for those traveling to remote regions without access to additional support for extended periods.
Participants gain access to online course materials for the duration of their certification. All required medical supplies for the in-person training are provided. Upon successful completion, participants will earn two certifications:
- 20-Hour Remote First Aid
- Basic First Aid Blended with Level C CPR (workplace certification)
Both certifications are valid for three years.
Agenda
This course is delivered over 2 days and 1 evening (20 hours) supplemented with online learning. Please come prepared for an intensive weekend of first aid training as there is a lot of material to cover in our 20 hours of instruction. Most theoretical concepts will be reviewed through online learning.
The program is highly practical and is presented using a blend of theoretical concepts and practical activities, scenarios and simulations. There will be reading and quizzes to complete outside of the in -person sessions.
This Remote First Aid course is hosted by Yamnuska Mountain Adventures and taught by Rocky Mountain Adventure Medicine.
The curriculum covers Basic First Aid topics plus Wilderness First Aid topics with a focus on remote settings, where help is not immediately available and extended care in the field may be required
Day 1 & 2: Basic First Aid Blended
- Medical, Legal and Documentation Issues
- Communicable diseases
- Patient Assessment System
- Airway, Breathing and Circulation Management
- Choking – Adult, Child and Infant Patient
- CPR Level C with AED training (includes adult, child and infant patient)
- Soft Tissue Injuries and their care
- Shock
- Heart Attack, Angina and Stroke
Days 2 & 3: Remote First Aid
- Principles of backcountry emergencies
- Backcountry CPR guidelines
- Wound management in the field
- Environmental Emergencies – Heat / Cold; Lightning; Drowning;
- Sprains and strains
- Fractures
- Dislocations
- Head and facial trauma
- Spinal Injuries
- Burn Management
- Chest Trauma
- Bites, Stings, Poisons and Toxins
- Changes in the level of consciousness
- Diabetes
- Seizures
- Stroke
- Allergies and Anaphylaxis
- Outdoor first aid kits
- Patient Moving, Packaging and Transportation
Training focuses on the initial care, stabilization and management of an incident that occurs in a wilderness location.
For successful certification, participants must complete the following course components:
- All online course elements with a score of 75% or higher
- 100% attendance
- Demonstration of all required practical skills at the RFA level
FAQ’s
- My certification is already expired. Am I still able to take the recertification course? Unfortunately, no. All students must take the full 24-hour program again to regain your certification.
- What time of year do you usually offer the Remote First Aid courses and how fast do they fill up /sell out? Programs are typically run in the shoulder seasons- Spring (April/May) and Fall (September/October). Programs do tend to fill quickly (sometimes 2-3 months in advance), so be sure to register for the date of your choice as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
Meeting Time and Place
The course begins at the Yamnuska classroom at 6 pm on Friday evening. The classroom is located at #100-50 Lincoln Park, Canmore. Map
Getting to Canmore
Canmore is a 1-hour drive west of Calgary.
Frequent shuttles connect Calgary International Airport and Canmore.
Instructors
The course is taught by professional first aid instructors and practitioners from Rocky Mountain Adventure Medicine (RMAM). They receive intensive vetting and training. Course quality is continually monitored and assessed by Yamnuska and RMAM. The curriculum is updated as accepted practices and standards evolve.
Accommodation and Meals
These are not included in the program price.
Accommodation in Canmore is not included. A variety of accommodation options exist in both Canmore and Banff, including campsites, hostels, all levels of hotels as well as condo-style accommodation with kitchens or suites. We recommend that you book your own accommodations well in advance as all levels of accommodations in the Bow Valley fill quickly.
What to Bring
Appropriate clothing for the location and time of year. Remember that rain or shine, much of our time is spent outside. You will also need something to write with and a notebook.
Please book as early as practical to avoid disappointment. We require full payment at the time of booking.
Detailed booking instructions and conditions.
Risk is an inherent part of all mountain activities. We strive to manage and reduce it however, it is impossible to totally eliminate. Learn more about our safety and risk management approach here. Please note that you will be required to sign our waiver before commencing the program. Please view our sample waiver copy.
There are two basic types of insurance that most travellers need to consider: Medical and Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance. We offer our guests coverage for both and highly recommend you purchase it.
Emergency Medical Expenses Insurance:
It is wise to ensure that your health plan will cover you in case of illness or accident during your trip. Obtain extra coverage if necessary. There is no charge for rescue in the national and provincial parks, however, costs such as air or ground transportation, long-term care, and other services are not covered.
Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance:
We recognize that our guests’ schedules may change for many reasons; business, family, flight delays, injuries, and other unplanned events. For these eventualities, Trip Cancellation/Interruption insurance is a great way to protect your investment.
For all your travel insurance requirements we recommend the Simpson Group. This agency offers a wide range of travel insurance options including Trip Cancellation/Interruption, Travel Medical, and Personal Effect Loss for Canadian Travelers. We highly recommend purchasing this insurance.
Please note that this coverage is for Canadian residents only. For guests who are not from Canada and who are interested in the ‘Visitors to Canada’ insurance package please contact the Simpson Group directly at JSimpson@simpson-group.com and reference your Yamnuska Mountain Adventure trip.
Dates:
This program includes a four-hour class on the first evening and then two full days of instruction on days 2 and 3.
PRICE:
$400 CDN includes instruction and course materials. GST is extra.
Trip Cancellation Insurance is available through the Simpson Group.
Please note you will be required to sign the Yamnuska Release of Liability, and Waiver of Claims prior to commencing the program. Please review the sample waiver prior to booking and call us with any questions.
Is it for you?
No prior first-aid certification is required for this course. The minimum age is 16 years. Sportsmen, mountain bikers, climbers, hikers, and those who spend time in the backcountry are strongly encouraged to take this first aid training.