SOLO Wilderness First Aid (WFA) Course

This workshop will take place at Grandfather Mountain and be hosted by Nantahala Outdoor Center’s SOLO Southeast Wilderness Medicine and Survival School. Instruction both days is from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Registration is currently up and running and is being hosted online by SOLO Southeast. Register here. (Look for the Grandfather Mountain event taking place Aug. 23-24.) The cost is $285.

All participants must be 14 years or older. Anyone under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

About the course
This 2-day entry-level course is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts looking for introductory first aid training and backcountry medical skills. There are no prerequisites for this class. Holders of a current Advanced Wilderness First Aid (AWFA) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification from SOLO may use this course for recertification.

Wilderness First Aid (WFA) covers topics ranging from preparation and prevention to assessment and treatment. Students will have an opportunity to learn practical skills through hands-on scenarios as well as in a traditional classroom setting.

Course topics

• Wilderness vs. Urban First Aid
• Patient Assessment System
  • Initial Survey
  • Primary Survey
  • Secondary Survey
  • Documentation (SOAP Notes)
• Patient Lifting and Moving
• Shock
• Traumatic Issues
  • Musculoskeletal – Sprains, Strains, & Fractures
  • Spinal Cord Injury Management
  • Soft Tissue Injuries
    • Stopping the Bleed
    • Wound Cleaning
    • Bandaging Skills
    • Infections
    • Burns
• Environmental Issues
  • The Human Animal
  • Hypothermia and Frostbite
  • Heat Illness: Dehydration, Heat Exhaustion, & Heat Stroke
  • North American Bites & Stings
  • Lightning
  • Back Country Essentials: Bivouac & Survival Skills
• Medical Issues
  • Changes in Level of Consciousness
  • Breathing Issues: Asthma, Allergic Reaction, etc.
  • Anaphylaxis
  • Diabetes
  • Chest Pain
• Written Test and Course Completion

About SOLO
SOLO (Stonehearth Open Learning Opportunities) is the oldest continuously operated school of Wilderness Medicine in the world. Since 1976, with the opening of the SOLO campus in New Hampshire, SOLO has been the undisputed leader in wilderness medicine. SOLO offers top-notch, industry-recognized courses across the United States and around the world. Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) is proud to be the Southeastern home for SOLO Southeast, leaders in wilderness medicine training.