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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.

Gary was very thorough and took the time to answer any questions. I feel after doing this course very confident in my skills. Thank you!

Carol Craveirs Standard First Aid, Victoria, BC More Testimonials

Most enjoyable CPR course yet. Mike taught with a great sense of humour that made everything fun and informative.

Emily Doehnel CPR C, Victoria, BC More Testimonials

I liked how everything was hands on. It helped to make it more interesting and an effective way to learn. The instructor was funny and knowledgeable which kept the class fun and interesting.

Francesca Maria Standard First Aid, Victoria, BC More Testimonials

"The course was as good as I expected and provided a solid challenge. There was a good student to teacher ratio. The progression of skills was presented well. Jaimie is a great instructor - positive and honest with feedback."

Anonymous First-Aid Instructor Transfer Course, Victoria, B.C. More Testimonials

"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

I sincerely appreciated Andrea’s calm clear direction. Being an older student taking classes like this can be somewhat overwhelming with volumes of info in such a short time, but the format and presentation made the experience +++ positive. Thank you.

Fran Smyth Standard First Aid, Victoria, BC More Testimonials

Enjoyed the course – Mike’s humour well appreciated. I’d recommend others to this program. Thanks.

Chad Dickie Occupational First Aid Level 1, Victoria, BC More Testimonials

Good refresher course - learned more than at St. John Ambulance!

Paul Callow CPR C, Victoria, BC More Testimonials

Covered a lot of material and was presented in a fun way! Instructor provided great feedback and was very fun!

Katy Kerr Emergency First-Aid, Victoria, BC More Testimonials

This is the best CPR course I have ever taken in 55 years of nursing & I highly recommend it. The instructors teaching abilities are excellent!!!

Lois Mesner RN CPR, Victoria, BC More Testimonials
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