About Wilderness First Aid Training
Be Prepared for High Adventure
"Be Prepared" is the Scout Motto
Do you know what to do in an emergency out on the trail or at an activity? Several courses are offered annually for you to gain the training and skills necessary to handle the challenges that come with accidents or illness.
Wilderness First Aid
Wilderness First Aid (WFA) is the assessment and treatment given to an ill or injured person in a remote environment where care by a physician or rapid transport isn't possible. During the 16-hour course, participants will learn how to assess, treat, and (when possible) contain emergencies. Current certification in an adult CPR course and completion of AED training are prerequisites. It is a requirement for all units to have two Wilderness First Aid trained leaders on any trips to BSA high adventure bases.
Designed for scouts and scout leaders, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who works or spends time in remote environments, this course teaches advanced skills to be used in emergencies when help from professional first responders may be far away. This course satisfies the certification requirements mandated by National High Adventure Bases. Additionally, this course is recommended for any unit doing their own remote high adventure trip.
Course fee includes Basic First Aid & CPR/AED training which will be completed during the Friday evening session. If you already have a current First Aid & CPR/AED certificate, you can choose to opt out of the Friday evening session. Proof of certification must be verified by the instructor. There is no discount for opting out of the Friday training time.
Prerequisites: Must be at least 14 years old.
Certification: 2‑year certification; digital certificate available upon successful completion
Course Time:
- Friday Evening (5–8 p.m.): Basic First Aid & CPR
- Saturday & Sunday (8 a.m.–5 p.m.): Wilderness First Aid training
Topics included:
- Primary and Secondary Assessments
- Head/Brain, Neck and Spinal Injuries
- Heat-Related Emergencies
- Hypothermia
- Altitude-Related Illnesses
Upcoming Northern Star Courses
Register for upcoming courses by clicking the link below.
Space is limited per session- check the registration link for availability.
Tomahawk Scout Camp
During the summer, Tomahawk Scout Camp offers Wilderness First Aid Trainings to leaders at summer camp. This course is offered during even weeks on even years and odd weeks during odd years. For example, it is offered weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8 during 2026 and weeks 1, 3, 5, 7 during 2027. For information on what dates those week numbers line up with, head to:
Tomahawk's Sign Up For Summer Camp page
Other Certifications
If you are currently certified in CPR, AED and WFA by the American Red Cross or Emergency Care & Safety Institute you may use the certificate from those courses to meet the BSA training requirements.