Katahdin Rescue’s Wilderness First Aid 16-hour courses are a perfect introduction to wilderness medicine. These courses are dynamic, hands-on, and catered to Maine’s conditions: seasonal realities, cold water, remote access, and local trip patterns. Participants of Wilderness First Aid courses will develop a basic understanding of scene surveys, patient assessments, potentially life-saving interventions, major problems with critical body systems, trauma, environmental problems, and medical situations. For more comprehensive training, see Wilderness Advanced First Aid or Wilderness First Responder courses.
Katahdin Rescue’s Wilderness First Aid follows Sierra Rescue curriculum. Sierra Rescue is a member of the Wilderness Medicine Education Collaborative and follows set WMEC standards in its curricula.
Katahdin Rescue emphasizes context-built delivery in our instruction. Wilderness First Aid courses may be tailored to various environments, work or trip logistics and equipment, and participant groups. Complete the pre-course customization survey here and let us know how we can best cater to your needs.
Who should take a Wilderness First Aid course?
Wilderness First Aid courses are designed for people who spend time in the Maine outdoors and want to grow their knowledge of wilderness medicine, including:
- Outdoor Enthusiasts
- Government Workers
- USGS Employees
- Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Employees
- Registered Maine Guides
- Camp Counselors and Participants
- School Outdoor Program Participants
Wilderness First Aid courses satisfy Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife requirements for Maine whitewater guides, registered Maine guides, educational trip leader permits, and trip leader permits for summer camps.
There are no prerequisites for Wilderness First Aid courses.
General Information
Topics Covered
- Scene Survey and Patient Assessment
- Basic Life Support Skills
- CPR
- AED
- Assessing and Addressing Major Problems in Critical Body Systems
- Nervous System
- Respiratory System
- Cardiovascular System
- Shock
- Trauma
- Musculoskeletal Injuries
- Spinal Injuries
- Wound Management
- Environmental Problems
- Burns and Cold-Related Injuries
- Heat Illnesses and Hypothermia
- Lightning
- Altitude Sickness
- Drowning
- Toxins
- Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis and Local Reactions
- Medical problems
- Documentation (SOAP Notes)
- Big Scenario
Learning Outcomes
- Gain an understanding of potential emergencies in wilderness settings
- Be able to assess injuries and illnesses and make decisions on whether they are serious or not
- Be prepared to provide life-saving interventions
- Be able to assist those with more training and/or provide hand-offs to those with more training
Course Expectations
- Course Duration: 16 hours over two days
- Participants should be dressed appropriately for weather, prepared to be outside for extended periods of time.
- Courses will include a mix of indoor and outdoor time.
- Attendance is mandatory.
Packing List
If you are missing any of the gear listed below, contact Katahdin Rescue. We can provide gear or point you towards gear rentals if needed.
- Appropriate clothing and footwear
- Synthetic or wool based layers
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Warm socks
- Shoes or boots appropriate for weather and rough terrain
- Hat
- Gloves
- Extra warm clothes for fall, winter, and spring
- Clothing that can be stained or cut during scenarios
- Large backpack to carry supplies and personal gear
- Snacks, water, and lunch
- Sunscreen
- Bug Repellent
- Notebook and pens
- Optional:
- Sunglasses
- Personal or company-issued first aid kit
- Equipment that you would typically have in the field (sleeping pads, paddles, hiking poles, snowshoes, etc.)
Inquire about our Wilderness First Aid courses