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Our 40-hour Wilderness First Aid Bridge course is designed for those with a current Remote First Aid certification who want to expand their skills and learn how to provide extended care in wilderness and remote settings. This upgrade course is ideal for professional guides, park officials, and those working in recreation, ecotourism, and other remote environments.

Wilderness First Aid (40-hr) Bridge

Wilderness First Aid (40-hr) Bridge

Our 40-hour Wilderness First Aid Bridge course is designed for those with a current Remote First Aid certification who want to expand their skills and learn how to provide extended care in wilderness and remote settings. This upgrade course is ideal for professional guides, park officials, and those working in recreation, ecotourism, and other remote environments.

Course Overview – Wilderness First Aid (40-Hour) Bridge

The Canadian Red Cross Wilderness First Aid Bridge course builds on the foundational knowledge gained in the Remote First Aid course, focusing on strategies for providing extended care for overnight or multi-day scenarios. Participants will engage in realistic outdoor simulations that prepare them to manage medical emergencies and support the health and well-being of individuals in remote areas.

This course emphasizes leadership, prevention, and decision-making to ensure the best possible outcomes during prolonged emergency situations.

Key Topics Covered:

  • Prevention and Group Wellness: Learn how to prevent emergencies and support the physical and mental well-being of a group in remote environments.
  • Extended Care Scenarios: Practice providing first aid care over extended periods when evacuation is delayed or unavailable.
  • Leadership and Decision-Making: Develop leadership skills and learn how to make critical decisions when additional support is required.
  • Injury and Illness Assessment: Gain advanced skills in assessing and managing injuries and illnesses over longer timeframes.
  • Resourceful First Aid: Learn how to improvise and provide effective care with limited supplies in remote settings.

The majority of this course takes place outdoors, regardless of the weather, providing a realistic and immersive training experience.

 

Why Choose This Course?

  • Advanced Wilderness Care: Designed for those who want to extend their skills for longer stays in remote environments.
  • Hands-On, Outdoor Learning: Immerse yourself in practical, real-world scenarios led by experienced wilderness first aid professionals.
  • Professional Development: Ideal for guides, park officials, and professionals in ecotourism and outdoor recreation.
  • Recognized Certification: Earn a Red Cross Wilderness First Aid certification, valid for 3 years.

 

Course Duration:

  • Bridge Course: 20 hours (In-Person)

 

Important Note:

Participants must hold a valid Remote First Aid certification to enroll in this course. Be prepared to spend most of the course outdoors and dress appropriately for varying weather conditions.

Full Course Length 20 hours

Course Details

Topics Covered

Wilderness First Aid includes:

  • Preparation and Planning
  • Wound Care
  • Your Health
  • Cold- and Heat-Related Emergencies
  • What is the P.L.A.N.?
  • Environmental Emergencies
  • Bone, Muscle, and Joint Injuries
  • Tractions
  • Poisons
  • Breathing and Circulation Emergencies
  • Medical Emergencies
  • First Aid for Respiratory and Cardiac Arrest
  • Head and Spine Injuries
  • Extended Care and Patient Monitoring
  • Outdoor Food Safety

Certification

Canadian Red Cross certificates are now virtual! You will receive a temporary certificate at the end of your course, and a permanent virtual certificate will be emailed to you after you've successfully completed the course. You will be able to view your manual and certification online at any time through your MyRedCross account. Certification is valid for 3 years.

Training Schedules & Locations
There are no certification classes at this time. Please check back.

Materials

Emergency First Aid & CPR Manual

The Wilderness First Aid course includes the following materials:

  • Canadian Red Cross Wilderness & Remote Field Guide (hard copy)
  • Canadian Red Cross Comprehensive Guide to First Aid (virtual)

The Alert Advantage

Free Manual + App

Deep Discounts

3-Year Guarantee

Replacement certs

Learn More

Who should take this course?

  • Professional guides
  • parks officials
  • those who work in fields such as recreation and ecotourism
  • outdoor enthusiasts
  • assistant overnight outdoor guides or kayak instructors
  • Girl Guides
  • Scouts
  • mountain bikers
  • people who work and play in remote areas

Looking for a group class?

If you have a group of people and would like us to come to you to teach a
Wilderness First Aid (40-hr) Bridge course, we offer this course in the following locations:

Victoria | Langford | Esquimalt | Sooke | Cobble Hill | Mill Bay | Duncan | Lake Cowichan | Cedar | Ladysmith | Nanaimo | Parksville | Qualicum Beach | Port Alberni | Coombs | Parksville | Campbell River | Saltspring Island | Pender Island | Powell River | Gabriola Isand | Burnaby | Coquitlam | Delta | Langley | Maple Ridge | New Westminster | North Vancouver | Pitt Meadows | Port Moody | Richmond | Surrey | Vancouver | West Vancouver | White Rock | Langley |

Give us a call at 1.866.282.5378, or send us an email at to arrange a group course.

"Jason was fantastiv. Very animated and had positive energy. Jill was also a wonderful teacher.. Very nice and helpful. Love that the course was mostly practical work."

Katie Lysejko Standard First-Aid, Victoria, B.C. More Testimonials

Excellent teacher. Always paused and asked 'any questions?' Great technique of questionning and trying to make us come up with the answers. Good simulations.

Cecily Emergency First-Aid, Victoria, BC More Testimonials

"Awesome instructor! Made the long days easier. I am glad that I can now be of help in any emergency situation."

Erin Standard First-Aid and CPR-C, Victoria, B.C. More Testimonials

Kendall was VERY nice & super supportive! I would recommend her to anyone.

Alex Richardson CPR, Victoria, BC More Testimonials

Best first aid course I've taken in 20 years - and I've taken about 7 or 8 of them!

Audrey Sohier Emergency Childcare First Aid, Nanaimo, BC More Testimonials

The amount of activities made the course interactive and enjoyable, while also being extremely informative. The course is set up well and flows nicely.

Amy Martin Standard First Aid, Victoria, BC More Testimonials

Nathan's presentation was both powerful and gripping. 5 stars out of 5.

Brian Hocks CPR HCP, Victoria, BC More Testimonials

Great course. Very knowledgeable instructor whose ample real life experience added lots of interest to the course.

Amy Costello CPR HCP, Nanaimo, BC More Testimonials

This was easily the best first aid course that I have ever taken. The practical experience will certainly be easy to remember. Gary is a stellar instructor and has a true gift in teaching and dealing with people.

Ron MacDonald Marine Basic First Aid, Nanaimo, BC More Testimonials

Mike made this course fun and informative with his great sense of humour and clear instructions. No time to sleep in his class!

Anne Boudewyn Emergency Childcare First Aid, Victoria, BC More Testimonials
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