Wilderness First Aid
Course: Wilderness First Aid and CPR: 16 hours.
Prerequisites: None.
Certification through: Sierra Rescue International.
Duration: 2 days, in-person.
Price: $325
Upcoming Dates: April 25-26, 2026 (Cullowhee, NC) & June 4-5 , 2026 (Long Creek, SC)
Certification length: Certification is valid for 3 years with no grace period.
Who should take this course: Anyone who plays/works outside or in a rural location where help may be slow to arrive. Outdoor guides, adventure trip leaders, backpackers, hikers, raft guides and kayakers, rock climbers and more!
April 25-26 Location: Western Carolina University, 1 University Dr, Cullowhee, NC 28723. Course duration: 9am-5pm both days.
June 4-5 Location: Wildwater Chattooga, Rafting & Zipline Tours. 1251 Academy Road, Long Creek, SC 29658. Course duration: 8:30am-5:30pm both days.
Additional Courses you might be interested in:
Wilderness First Responder: 8 days, 64 hours.
Develop essential skills to prevent, assess, and manage medical emergencies in remote settings.
This two day Sierra Rescue International (SRI) course provides an introduction to wilderness medicine. Covering patient assessment, common backcountry injuries and illnesses, splinting and carries, 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 skills for managing patients in wilderness environments where rescue or advanced medical care is typically accessible within eight hours. Those seeking training in extended patient care should consider advanced courses like our Wilderness First Responder (WFR).
Sierra Rescue International is a member of the Wilderness Medical Society, and is recognized by other WMS members such as NOLS, SOLO, DMM, & WMA.
2 Day Wilderness First Aid Outline:
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
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
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.
Wilderness First Aid 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**
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.
If you have further questions about this course, please contact us a info@tatercpr.com or call us at 828-421-8736.
Where to stay in Long Creek, SC:
Wildwater Chattooga offers everything from luxury houses, cabins, cottages & group yurts.
Check their options out here.
There are also multiple camping options around Long Creek.