Wilderness First Aid Certification Course [Mostly Reimbursable for Trip Leaders! Free for Some UVa Academic Employees!]

OVERVIEW

[This is *not* an overnight course — it runs two days and ends at 7pm each day.]

Learn how to save life and limb in an
> urban disaster (natural / protest / disaster)
> rural area (not near a hospital)
> travel anywhere
> wilderness area

BONUS if you’re a trip leader: Earn most of your course FEE BACK BY REIMBURSEMENT! Details: https://outdoorsatuva.org/resources/ If you lead enough adventures to get the maximum reimbursement and if that still doesn’t cover your fee fully, and being a student you kinda need it to, let me know and I’ll pay ya back the rest personally, in appreciation of your awesomeness in leading for this rad club.

Free for some UVA employees! Academic employees can take this class for free if it directly relates to your current work position or field of study. Register and pay for the class to save yourself a spot, then apply for Education Benefits program reimbursement: http://hr.virginia.edu/hr-for-you/university-staff/university-staff-benefits/education-benefits/
The money will come back to you in your paycheck (quite possibly your next paycheck, or at longest within about a month of applying). Note: this benefit does not apply to Health System employees — just academic.

Spaces limited, classes often fill up.
REGISTER AT: www.solowfa.com
More info below.

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Certification Classes (2 years) CALENDAR:
WAYS TO LEARN:

IN-PERSON dtWFA (2days 8am each day)
— Jan11-12, 2025: Charlottesville VA area, Mateo Teaching this one and many others
— Jan25-26: Harrisonburg/Staunton VA area
— Jan25-26: Richmond VA
— Feb1-2: Baltimore MD area
— Feb22-23: Charlottesville VA
— Mar8-9: Lexington VA area
— Mar8-9: St. George UTAH
— Mar22-23: Wilmington DE area
— Mar29-30: Charlottesville VA area
— Mar29-30 OR Apr5-6: Spruce Knob, WV area
— Apr5-6: Washington DC area with CAMPING option
— Apr12-13: Philadelphia PA area
— Apr12-13: Richmond VA
— Apr12-13: Triad / Triangle NC areas
— Apr19-20: Blacksburg VA
— Apr26-27: Baltimore MD area
— May3-4: Charlottesville VA
— May17-18: Washington DC area with CAMPING option
— May17-18: Wilmington DE area
— May31-June1: RIVERSIDE RETREAT with CAMPING option, near Winchester VA / Leesburg VA Charles Town WV
— Jun7-8: Richmond VA
— Aug30-Sep1: MOUNTAIN-TOP RETREAT: on-site trails, lake with sandy beach swimming & free boat use, optional sunset view hike, evening campfires, free camping nearby, $15/bed/night cabins on-site, at Mountain Lake Biological Station near Blacksburg, VA

Blended dtWFA Skills Day (1day 8:30am-6pm, after self-paced online learning)
— Feb8, 2025: Charlottesville VA
— Feb8: Blacksburg/Roanoke VA area
— Mar15: Charlottesville VA
— Mar15: Richmond VA
— Apr19: Washington DC area
— May10: Triangle NC area
— Jun14: Washington DC area

ALL-ONLINE dtWFA Skills Day (1day 8:30am-6pm, after self-paced online learning)
— 2025 dates coming

ADVANCED WFA Bridge (2days 8am-7pm each day):
— Jun28-29, 2025: Williamsport WV area with CAMPING option

CPR/AED/Choking for Adult, Child, Infant (6pm)
— Jan10, 2025: Charlottesville VA
— May10: Triangle NC area
— Aug29: Mountain-top retreat near Blacksburg VA

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OVERVIEW:
> No prerequisites
> For adults and teens with solid attention spans. Know your loved ones are safe wherever they are.
> Hands-on learn how to care for an injured / ill person during the critical minutes or hours before ambulance / hospital arrival
> Blend of classroom instruction & hands-on rescue scenario practice
> Approved by the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), Girl Scouts of the USA, American Camping Association (ACA), University of Virginia (100% reimbursement for academic employees!), and more
> 2-year SOLO WFA certification
> Counts as recertification for SOLO WFA, AWFA, WFR and wilderness part of W-EMT
> Flyer: https://solowfa.com/assets/pdf/dtWFA_flyer_generic_latest.pdf
> Testimonials: see below

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WHY:
Mired in a disaster zone, rural area far from hospital, natural area miles from an access point, or protesting and trapped in a kettle … accidents, destructive weather, and terrorism happen, and all-too-often members of a group are not capable of dealing with the emergency. This leads to improper care of the patient, and endangers the entire group. Many recreational accidents are preventable, and improper care of trauma can compound even simple injuries. Very few first aid programs actually address the issues of providing emergency care in a setting where 911 is overwhelmed or not immediately reachable. In this course, classroom instruction and Q&A are interwoven with practical work and problem-solving exercises. Hands-on experience – a most powerful learning tool – during scenarios comprise ~50% of class. 8am – 7pm both days; you come away with actual do-it-yourself care-giving confidence.

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TOPICS:
> Beyond the ‘golden hour’: wilderness/disaster-delayed EMS arrival injury challenges and long-term patient care
> Patient Assessment System: thorough patient examination, treatment, monitoring, safety, and documentation
> Orthopedic Injuries and Treatment: Sprains, Strains, Fractures, and Spinal Cord Management
> Circulatory System Form and Function: Heart, Blood, Blood Vessels, Lungs, Brain
> Soft Tissue Injuries and Wound Treatment: Contusions, Abrasions, Lacerations, Flap Avulsions, Amputation, Punctures, Impalements,
> Bites, Stings, Blisters, Burns, and Infections
> Environmental Injuries and Treatment: Cold, Heat, Dehydration and Wilderness Survival
> Medical Emergencies and Critical Care: Shock, Allergies, Shortness of Breath, Brain Problems, and Heart Problems
> Patient movement: spinal cord precautions and clearing; pre- and post-evacuation treatment
> International Travel: preparing & packing for safe travel, problem prevention before and during travel, and identification & treatment of many travel illnesses – presented in a special hand-out for those who indicate interest

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Instructor: Mateo Rosefsky, Geo Medic, Wilderness EMT, Street Medic, CERT, MRC, SOLO Instructor-Trainer, and … co-Founder of Outdoors at UVa! … OR a top-notch, highly-qualified individual Mateo personally trained via the apprenticeship model.

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TESTIMONIALS (those without names are from post-course anonymous feedback forms):

“The course blew my expectations out of the water.”

“I was … in denial about what could go wrong in a hike. I feel much more prepared now. Everyone who hikes should take this course!”

“It was the *very best* first aid I ever attended and I’ve attended many.”

“The numerous examples of hands-on practice in evaluating, moving and treating patients gave us lots of practice in applying what we learned.”

“Best instructor on the East Coast (based on 4 other courses).”

“The encyclopedia knowledge of the instructor. The instructor’s willingness to address questions, and willingness to provide individualized attention.”

“When I walked in the door, the idea of being responsible for someone in a backcountry {or disaster} medical emergency was terrifying. Now I feel confident that I can help.”

“I came upon a motorcycle accident with 3 injured people. I was able to preserve their lives because of my SOLO training.” – 2-day course graduate Jacquie W.

“Shortly after receiving my WFA cert … I was one of the first to arrive at the rolled SUV and assessed the scene. Most of the emergent volunteers were milling around the SUV, wondering what to do … I took control to treat her … Police and fire/rescue had not yet arrived, although plenty of 911 calls went out … I credit being able to successfully treat my ‘patient’ to your WFA training.” Ian K.

“Take the class, Save a life!”

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Facebook: www.facebook.com/medicwfa

REGISTRATION ONLINE + MORE INFO: https://www.solowfa.com/