Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA) to Wilderness First Responder (WFR) Bridge Course
- Fee:
- $329
- Prerequisite:
- This course must be taken within two years of a WAFA certification. Completion of precourse study packet is required.
- Activity Level:
- Moderate
- Minimum Age:
- 16
Overview
- This course enables WMA/WAFA graduates to upgrade their certification to WMA/WFR
- Four-day (36-hour) course expands on the WAFA program
- All necessary equipment, including course materials, is provided
L.L.Bean has partnered with Wilderness Medical Associates, a respected leader in wilderness medical education since 1981. This four-day (36-hour) course expands on the WAFA program through a wider range of subject material and more in-depth hands-on patient interaction. Case studies are an important part of the curriculum and are analyzed each day. This course enables WMA/WAFA graduates to upgrade their certification to WMA/WFR, the widely held industry standard for outdoor leaders. All necessary equipment, including course materials, is provided. Successful completion of the course requires full attendance and satisfactory performance on written and practical quizzes.
Itinerary
The first day begins with an overview of general wilderness first-aid concepts. Students are taught how to assess the patient, including an overview of the circulatory and respiratory systems. Controlling infections is covered. CPR and basic life support methods are extensively practiced.
Day two focuses on the nervous system, a common area of serious injury in the outdoors. Managing damage to the spine and other musculoskeletal areas is discussed. Treatments include working with splints and lifting/extrication techniques. Extensive drills on accurate patient assessment are conducted.
The next day covers how to handle a wide range of potential hazards, including: thermoregulation methods; bites and stings; lightning and electrical injuries; wounds and burns; anaphylaxis and allergies. Hands-on patient-rescue techniques include practicing improvised carries and further assessments. Elective topics are also offered.
The final day wraps up the program with a detailed case study incorporating many of the subjects previously covered. Further topics include backcountry medicine and medical/legal issues. Patient assessments and simulations are conducted, and elective topics are offered.
2013 Dates
| Location | Dates | Times |
| Freeport, Maine | November 8-11 | 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Call for reservations |
