Accidents happen. People get hurt, sick, or lost. The temperature drops, the wind picks up, and it starts to rain. Would you know what to do? Many backcountry emergencies are preventable, and even when bad things happen, sometimes the wrong care can make things worse. By learning a few basic skills, you can make the difference between a good outcome and a bad one-and maybe even save a life.

WHO IS THE WFA FOR?

The WFA is the perfect course for the outdoor enthusiast or trip leader who wants a basic level of first aid training for short trips with family, friends, and outdoor groups. It also meets the ACA guidelines.

WHAT IS TAUGHT?

The WFA is 16 hours long (two days), and focuses on the basic skills of: Response and Assessment, Musculoskeletal Injuries, Environmental Emergencies, Survival Skills, Soft Tissue Injuries, and Medical Emergencies.

SOLO methods mix classroom, practice, scenarios, and testing.  Through a combination of methods, we work to ensure our students understand and integrate the materials. We do our best to adequately prepare our students for any testing and try to make the process as stress-free as possible. We have an excellent pass rate on all exams.

WHAT ABOUT ROOM AND BOARD?

Oak Hill has many lodging opportunities, but for the most convenient option we recommend lodging at our host site, ACE Adventure Resort. There are options for cabins, tent, or RV spots. https://aceraft.com/west-virginia-cabin-rentals/new-river-gorge-cabins/

IS THERE AN EXAM?

Yes, there is ongoing evaluation of practical skills, and there are written assessments throughout the course.

DO I GET CERTIFIED?

Yes. You will receive a SOLO WFA certification, which is good for two years.

DOES THE WFA COUNT AS CONTINUING EDUCATION?

This course has been approved by WVOEMS for 3 CE hours – this course has been approved only for First Aid for an EMVO Recertification for accreditation of 3 CE hrs

Cost: $250 per person

Dates:  August 28-29, 2025, 8am-6pm each day

Length: 16 hours

Certification: You will receive a two-year SOLO cert, nationally recognized. CPR certification

Age Restriction: minimum age is 14

EQUIPMENT LIST FOR WILDERNESS FIRST AID PARTICIPANTS:

You should plan to wear or have with you clothing that will be appropriate to the season and location where you will be taking your course. Weather permitting; we will be spending a significant portion of the class time out-of-doors. If you have questions regarding the usual weather where your course will be held, please contact the sponsor. The following list is to SUPPLEMENT the clothing you will be wearing.

NECESSARY ITEMS

• Notebook and pen / pencil
• Raingear tops and bottoms
• Layers of clothing (so you can take a layer off if you are hot/put one on if you are cold)
• Hat – warm, not made of cotton
• Mittens or gloves if it will be cold out
• Backpack to put everything in
• Reusable water bottles (1qt or 1 liter) for drinking water
• Footwear for the environment (Closed-toe shoes for being outdoors- sandals are only acceptable for indoor activity.)

HELPFUL ITEMS TO BRING

• Ground cloth or small tarp (6X4 sheet of plastic is fine)
• Sleeping pad (eg: ensolite, ridgerest, thermarest)
• Bandanas or cravats of any kind
• Parachute cord