Wilderness First Aid Blog
Practical, field-tested wilderness medicine education from certified WFA instructors at American Outdoor School.
May 1, 2026
A side-by-side comparison of Wilderness First Aid and Wilderness EMT certifications — scope, cost ($0–$3,900), time commitment, prerequisites, and a decision framework for choosing the right one.
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April 27, 2026
Every item you need in a backcountry first aid kit — and why it's there. Three complete kit builds (day hike, multi-day, expedition) with the field logic behind each supply, from a WFA instructor who's taught hundreds of students.
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April 23, 2026
What to do when stomach illness hits miles from the trailhead. How to assess and manage nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea in the backcountry — including field tests for appendicitis and a clear evacuation decision framework.
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April 20, 2026
Learn the two patient assessment frameworks that form the backbone of wilderness first aid. Practical backcountry examples show you exactly what questions to ask and why each answer matters when you're hours from help.
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April 19, 2026
Everything you need to know about WFA certification — what it covers, who needs one, how much it costs ($0–$350), how long it lasts, and how to get certified online. Includes a breakdown of WFA vs. WFR vs. WEMT.
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