3 Day WFA/WFR-Recertification
You’re a kayaker AND you want to get better at emergency medicine. This is your class.
In this 3 day custom course designed by The Resusci-Taters and Kirk Eddlemon, the first 2 days to complete a traditional WFA/WFR-refresher. The 3rd day is on the river, responding to emergency scenarios from our kayaks.
Covering patient assessment, extended patient care, common river injuries and illnesses, splinting and carries, spinal considerations, recommendations for when to seek higher-level care, and much more.
The course is highly hands-on, with an emphasis on scenario-based learning and critical thinking.
Participants will build foundational and advanced skills for managing patients in wilderness environments where rescue or advanced medical care may take a long time.
Those looking for a longer training for backcountry emergency care with a full day on the river may be interested in the WAFA: 40 hr.
INVITATION ONLY: kayak/river specific wilderness medicine class.
Co-hosted by Kirk Eddlemon and The Resusci-Taters.
To enroll in this program you must be a kayaker and have spoken with Kirk or the Resusci-Taters.
Course: 3 Day Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder recertification. CPR included. 24 hours.
Prerequisites: None for the WFA. Current WFR certification to recertify your WFR.
Certification through: Sierra Rescue International.
Duration: 3 days, in-person.
Price: $395
Certification length: Certification is valid for 3 years with no grace period.
Who should take this course: Kayakers looking for a wilderness medicine class that emphasizes emergencies on the river. The 3rd day of the class will be kayak based and take place on either the Tuckaseegee or the Hiawassee. If you work on the river or kayak with friends in remote locations, this is a custom tailored course for you.
Location: Gorgeous Stays Tiny Homes and Campground. 11044 US-19, Bryson City, NC 28713
Time & Dates: October 30-November 1, 2026. 9am-5pm
Other information: Lunch will be a 1 hour break every day. There are not many close restaurants or grocery stores nearby, and no fast food. Plan to bring a lunch and snacks every day. On November 1 we will be on the river all day, you will need to bring your lunch and snacks in a drybag.
Additional Courses you might be interested in:
Wilderness Advanced First Aid: 5 days, 40 hours. This program also has a full day of river scenarios, hosted by Wildwater Rafting on the Chattooga river.
We follow the Wilderness Medicine Education Collaborative Standards for Wilderness Medicine Certifications.
If you are a student or co-worker of Kirk Eddlemon, contact him for the direct scheduling link. If you kayak with The Resusci-Taters, contact us for the direct scheduling link.
Where to stay:
Contact Gorgeous Stays directly to book your camping, glamping or tiny home in the Nantahala Gorge. Stay at the course location!
Discount Hiker rates for students of The Resusci-Taters courses:
Tent platforms and Park and Plug spot, each $25/night + tax
Tiny homes are $85/ night + tax for a private 1 person unit
$55/per person/per night + tax for 2 people.
$50/per person/per night + tax for 3-4 people
Phone: 828-421-2282
Email: glamping@gorgeousstays.com
Website: https://www.gorgeousstays.com/
Topics that may be covered:
What is Wilderness First Aid?
Patient Assessment System
Head to Toe Exam
SOAP notes/documentation
Shock
CPR
Bleeding control
Wound care/wound cleaning
Chest Injury
Lung Injury
Head Injury
Spinal Injury
Fractures, Sprains, Dislocations
Splinting and carry’s
Drowning
Heat/Dehydration/Hyponatremia
Altitude
Snake bites
Lightning
Drowning
Allergic reactions/Anaphylaxis/EPI pens
Seizures
Poisons/toxins
Diabetes
Abdominal illness/injury
Test and review
What goes in a med kit
Wilderness First Aid/WFR-Refresher Student Gear List
This gear list reflects what we, as outdoor professionals, consider appropriate to bring for wilderness medicine instructional courses.
You are not expected to purchase new or expensive equipment—use your best judgment when reviewing this list for new purchases.
The course will be conducted both inside and out, regardless of weather. Please bring appropriate clothing for the time spent outside.
If you regularly participate in activities that require specialized gear (e.g., hiking, paddling, climbing), feel free to bring the equipment you typically carry. Practicing with the gear you would actually have on hand helps you better provide good patient care in real-world emergencies.
Gear List:
Watch (with a way to count seconds ) **this is really required**
Water bottle **this is really required**
Kayaking equipment - everything you need to be on the river for a full day**this is required**.
Snacks
Notebook and something to write with
Sun protection - hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
Raingear
Layers appropriate for weather of the weekend
Shoes you’re comfortable being outside in
Camp chair/camping mat/blanket for outdoor class sessions
** If you require nicotine during class, please be aware that we will provide breaks for everyone and that smoking/vaping must be done away from the class.
Please contact us if you have questions about what to bring.
Certification is provided at the end of the course.
The WFA certification (through SRI) is a provided as a physical card.
The CPR certification (through ECSI) is delivered via email.
Sierra Rescue International is a member of the Wilderness Medical Society, and is recognized by other WMS members such as NOLS, SOLO, DMM, & WMA.
If you have further questions about this course, please contact us a info@tatercpr.com or call us at 828-421-8736.
