WFA Course
The Training
An intensive, 16-hour continuous course in which you’ll learn to recognize and treat medical emergencies in places where professional help isn’t readily available. From patient assessment to injury treatment and evacuation: you’ll develop the skills that matter when things go wrong, far from civilization.
The course combines theory with plenty of hands-on practice: patient simulations, skills labs, and realistic training scenarios are mixed throughout. You’ll learn how to examine patients and provide emergency care, with CPR, AED use, and basic life support as the foundation. The treatment of fractures and joint injuries is also covered, including splinting techniques.
You’ll also delve into environmental medicine: how to recognize and treat symptoms and injuries caused by heat, cold, lightning, submersion, and environmental toxins. You’ll conclude with the non-technical movement and evacuation of patients, with a focus on minimizing spinal movement. No prior experience or preparation is required—but you will need your full attention and complete presence, as that will determine whether you receive the certificate.
During this course, Sara will be your instructor. Drawing on her 10 years of experience as an active hiking guide, she’ll share not only her medical knowledge of wilderness first aid but also many practical examples and real-world experiences. She is WFA and WFR certified and organizes annual courses where she teaches people how to respond to accidents or emergencies in wilderness settings and challenging situations where you are often far from civilization or cell phone coverage. For larger groups, Sara is supported by a second certified course instructor.
5.0 (60 reviews)
Theme and levels
“Wild Skills” is the theme of this group trip. This course is designed for anyone who wants to earn a recognized certificate—such as (aspiring) guides, expedition leaders, and anyone who wants to be able to administer first aid professionally. Full attendance is required: only those who complete the course without interruption or early departure are eligible for the certificate. Assessment consists of practical simulations and a written test—this is a pass/fail course. If this sounds like something you’d enjoy, be sure to check out our other Wild Skills courses as well.
Impression
Your guides on this trip
Sara
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Experiences
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Practical
Cost
Cost includes:
- 16-hour WFA course (theory and practice, including CPR)
- Led by Sara; for larger groups, a second instructor will assist
- Use of course and first aid materials during the course
- On-site facilities at Stay Ok Dordrecht
- Hot beverages (tea or coffee)
- The certificate for full participation
Transportation to the starting point is not included. Please note: accommodation is not included, so you’ll need to arrange your own place to stay. Also, don’t forget to bring enough food and drinks for both days.
Travel guarantee and booking
This tour is guaranteed to run with a minimum of 8 participants. The maximum number of participants is 20. This trip is a package tour, and to comply with the legally required guarantee for package tours, Rewild uses the guarantee provided by VZR Garant. You can find the terms and conditions of this guarantee on the VZR Garant website.
Insurance
You do not need separate mountain sports or travel insurance for this course in the Netherlands. However, we do expect you to have valid health insurance, and we recommend that you have liability insurance (AVP). If you’re unsure, please check your policy.
Conditions of participation
Participation in this course requires no prior experience or preparation. A 100% attendance rate is required to receive a certificate: anyone who misses a session or leaves early will not receive a certificate. The course will be held with a minimum of 8 participants; the maximum number of participants is 20. The course is taught in Dutch; an English-language version or translation is available upon request. Assessment is on a pass/fail basis, based on practical simulations and a written test. The course follows the WMA International curriculum. Upon successful completion, you will receive a WMA International Wilderness First Aid certificate, valid for three years. You must be physically and mentally capable of participating in the course components, as described in WMA International’s functional position description. By participating in a Rewild trip, you also accept the general terms and conditions of travel, which can be found at the bottom of the website. The cancellation policy is also explained there.
Packing List
Travel Program
Day 1
WFA Practical Program — Part 1
We’ll meet at 8:00 a.m. at the meeting point near Stay Ok Dordrecht. Day 1 will last until around 5:00 or 6:00 p.m.
Day 2
WFA Practical Program — Part 2
Day 2 begins at 8:00 a.m., and the program ends around 5:00 or 6:00 p.m., after the practical simulations and the written test. We will let you know the specific meeting point in a personal message before you leave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have questions about our trips, practicalities or our story? In these frequently asked questions, you’ll find the answers quickly and easily.
What is the difference between this and Wilderness First Aid?
First Aid in the Wilderness is a practical self-reliance training course for your own trips. The WFA Course is a 16-hour certification course with an exam, designed for (aspiring) guides and anyone who wants to be able to administer first aid professionally.
What happens if I miss part of the course?
In that case, you will not receive a certificate. The certificate requires 100% attendance: anyone who misses a session or leaves early will not be eligible for it.
How long is the certificate valid?
The certificate is valid for three years.
Is the certificate recognized internationally?
You will receive a certificate from WMA International, which is recognized internationally in the outdoor industry.
I’m going to become a guide. Is the WFA certification enough, or do I need the WFR certification?
WFA is the foundation. WFR (Wilderness First Responder) is a more comprehensive course for those who work longer hours and farther from medical assistance.
