80-hr Wilderness First Responder & Advanced First Aid

Agenda

This course is delivered over 7 days with additional online learning required. 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 in the evenings.

Advanced First Aid Blended is comprised of the following two components.

• Online blended learning course completed on independent and and in advance of the in person skills training.
• In person skills training and assessment delivered over 5 days (35hours).

Course content complies with CSA Standard Z1210-17 in accordance with Alberta Occupational Health and Safety requirements.

Online Blended Learning Course is a MANDATORY component of this program and must be completed in advance of the in person skills training course.

The wilderness medical principles taught in the program align with the Wilderness Medical Society practice guidelines and are delivered over the final two days of the program.

Use of all medical supplies required during the course is included. Participants can purchase first aid kits and/or supplies at a discounted rate during the course.

Participants receive access to online materials for the duration of their certification. 

Days 1 – 5: Advanced First Aid Blended

• Principles of Workplace First Aid
• Workplace Safety, Hazards and Incident Management and WHIMS
• Anatomy, Physiology and Terminology
• Patient Assessment System – General, Primary and Secondary Surveys
• Airway Management
• Advanced airway management, including oropharyngeal airways, use of BVM’s and suctioning
• Breathing Management
• Managing Respiratory Emergencies
• Choking
• Oxygen Therapy
• Artificial Resuscitation
• CPR  and AED training (BLS level)
• Management of Cardiovascular Emergencies
• Shock
• Catastrophic bleeds – internal and external
• Injury Management and burns
• Bone and Joint Injuries
• Spine, Head and Pelvic Injuries
• Heart Attack, Angina and Stroke
• Changes in level of consciousness – fainting, unconsciousness and Seizures
• Diabetic Emergencies
• Asthma and Anaphylaxis
• Mental Health Emergencies
• Obstetrical Emergencies
• Environmental Emergencies
• Chest Trauma
• Abdominal Trauma
• Abdominal Emergencies
• Movement and transportation of casualties
• Triage

Days 6 & 7: 80 hr Wilderness First Responder 

• Principles of extended care
• Adaptations for a wilderness environment
• Field treatment applications
• Evacuation principles
• Dislocations and field relocation techniques
• Spinal injuries; spinal restriction techniques; protocol for continuing or negating the need for spinal control
• Outdoor first aid kits
• Bivouac skills
• Search and rescue principles

Getting Ready for the Online Blended Learning Course

• Students must have access to a computer, laptop, tablet or similar.
• Please note that a device with a larger screen size is recommended for reading the intensive theory modules of this course.
• Students must have access to a reliable internet connection.
• Students must be prepared to commit personal time to completing the Online Blended Learning Course.

FAQ’s

1. My certification is already expired. Am I still able to take the recertification course? Unfortunately, no. You must currently hold a valid 80 Hour Wilderness First Aid certification in order to take the recertification course. If you allow your certificate to expire you must take the full 80-hour program again to regain your certification.
2. What time of year do you usually offer the WFR courses, and how fast do they fill up/sell out? WFR 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.
3. I took my original 80-hour course through a different company. Am I able to re-certify through Yamnuska and Rocky Mountain Adventure Medicine? Yes. Rocky Mountain Adventure Medicine can recertify any current 80-hour Wilderness First Responder certification. Students who have not taken a course with Rocky Mountain Adventure Medicine in the past will need to submit an electronic copy of their current (not-expired) 80-hour course certificate to the Yamnuska Office.
4. Which provinces in Canada is my certification valid in? Am I able to use this internationally?80-hr Wilderness First Responder – Recognized by: Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG), American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA), Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of British Columbia (SKGABC).Advanced First Aid Blended– Recognized by Alberta Occupational Health and Safety and is valid in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Equivalence can be sought in B.C. at OFA3 level. Your Advanced First Aid Blended Certification is recognized in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Equivalence can be sought in B.C. at OFA3 level.
5. Are there any pre-requisites? There are no pre-requisites for either the Advanced First Aid Blended or the 80-hr Wilderness First Responder Programs.

Getting to Canmore

Canmore is a 1-hour drive west of Calgary. If visiting the area from far away you may want to rent a car so you can visit local attractions and enjoy the surrounding mountains.

Program Logistics

The course begins at the Yamnuska classroom at 8.30 am on Day 1. The classroom is located at #100-50 Lincoln Park. Map

Instructors

The course is being taught by professional instructors from Rocky Mountain Adventure Medicine (RMAM). They receive intensive vetting and training. Course quality is continually monitored and assessed to ensure it meets the most current standards.

Accommodation & Meals

These are your responsibility.

Accommodation and meals in Canmore are 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 pre and post-trip accommodations well in advance as all levels of accommodations in the Bow Valley fill quickly.

What to Bring

Please 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 a sleeping pad/mat (for simulations), pens, and a notebook.

• Something to write on
• Lunch unless you want to head into town for the break
• Clothing suitable for whatever the weather throws at us for the outdoor portions of the program
• For the field days, we would recommend you bring a pack containing items that you would normally take with you on a day out into the backcountry e.g. extra clothing, tarp, ski poles, duct tape, fire starter kit, ensolite/Thermarest, Swiss army knife/Leatherman.
• Additionally, participants are welcome to bring equipment with them that they regularly use in a backcountry setting to use as part of scenarios, examples would be snowshoes, skis, snowboard, ice axes, avalanche probes etc.
• The First Aid kit you would normally bring on a trip.

Please book as early as practical to avoid disappointment. We require a 35% deposit at the time of booking. The remaining program fees are due eight weeks before the program start date.

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, the 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’s trip.