Wilderness & Remote First Aid Program
Wilderness and remote environments require specialized skills, equipment and training. Whether you are an outdoor recreation enthusiast, live or work in a wilderness or remote setting, or work as a professional rescuer — Red Cross offers specialized training to meet your needs.
The Canadian Red Cross Wilderness & Remote First Aid Program is one of the leading programs of its kind in Canada. Our newly updated program includes:
- Fully updated course content and resources, including a take-home Wilderness & Remote Field Guide filled with pictures, protocols, and the latest techniques.
- Learning activities and scenarios with real-life situations specifically designed for wilderness and remote environments.
- Expanded course offerings, including a brand-new Wilderness First Responder level providing advanced first aid and CPR skills, leadership and rescue decision-making skills for professional rescuers who work and respond to emergencies in remote or wilderness settings.
- Significant opportunities for hands-on learning with a significant portion of the courses taught in an outdoor setting so participants get the most effective learning experience possible.
We offer three levels of training designed to meet your needs.
Audience:
Suitable for individuals who live or work in non-urban, remote or wilderness workplaces or communities.
Environment:
- Remote workplaces or communities (2 or more hours from organized health care)
- Wilderness (less than 3 hours from organized health care)
Planned Trip: Day trip
Care: Participants learn skills and strategies for providing care in a remote setting for up to 24 hours
Key Learning Concepts:
- Planning, prevention, and situational awareness
- Wound care
- Environmental emergencies
Take Home Materials:
- Wilderness & Remote Field Guide
Audience:
Suitable for those who wish to become professional guides, parks officials and/or work in fields such as recreation and ecotourism.
Environment:
- Wilderness (3 or more hours from organized health care)
- Challenging environments with varied risk levels
Planned Trip: Expedition/Multi-day trip
Care: Participants learn skills and strategies for providing extended care overnight to a few days
Key Learning Concepts:
- Prevention; health and wellness of the group
- Leadership skills
- Assessment
- Extended care and decision-making around additional supports required
Take Home Materials:
- Wilderness & Remote Field Guide
Audience:
Rescuers who specialize in decision-making, evacuation, and transport in a remote or wilderness setting. Suitable for those who work in remote emergency services, remote worksites, ski patrol, search and rescue etc.
Environment:
- Challenging environments with varied terrain and risk levels
- They are responding as part of a designated team in a targeted capacity where survival may be compromised
Planned Trip: Targeted rescue
Care: Participants learn skills and strategies for urgent evacuation and, at times, extended care (5+ days)
Key Learning Concepts:
- Leadership skills
- Expectation to provide care
- Use of professional tool kit and resources
- Extrication and rescue decision- making
Take Home Materials:
- Wilderness & Remote Field Guide
- Emergency Care for Professional Responders reference text
- Emergency Care for Professional Responders Workbook (optional)
Learn the essential first aid skills and training required for planning, preventing injury, promoting safety, and responding to emergencies in remote and wilderness environments.
To find a course in your area visit myrc.redcross.ca.
Questions? Contact us at 1-877-356-3226 or myrcsupport@redcross.ca.