Wilderness & Remote First Aid

When medical help is far away, knowing how to respond can make all the difference. The Wilderness and Remote First Aid program gives people working in tourism the skills and confidence to act during emergencies in remote or wilderness areas. Whether you're leading tours, working in ecotourism, or guiding outdoor experiences, this training prepares you to care for others when help could be hours or days away.

You'll learn how to plan ahead, prevent injury, and provide life-saving care. This hands-on training includes outdoor learning, real-life scenarios, and a take-home field guide. With different course levels to choose from, you’ll leave feeling more prepared, more capable, and more confident to lead safely in remote environments.

What You’ll Take Away

• How to respond to emergencies in remote and wilderness settings
• Skills to manage injuries, environmental illnesses, and medical situations
• Planning, prevention, and risk assessment
• Leadership and communication under pressure
• How to provide extended care when help is delayed
• How to assess when and how to evacuate
• Outdoor scenario practice in realistic settings
• A take-home Wilderness & Remote Field Guide
• Nationally recognized Canadian Red Cross certification
• Knowledge and experience you can apply immediately on the job

Who Should Attend?

This training is for people working in tourism, especially those involved in outdoor recreation, adventure guiding, ecotourism, or working in parks or remote communities. It’s designed for those who spend time in areas where professional medical help is not nearby and want to improve safety for themselves and their guests.

Session Details

This is in-person training that takes place both indoors and outdoors. The courses are hands-on and based on real-life wilderness scenarios. There are three levels to choose from:

1. Remote First Aid - 20 Hours 🔗 Learn more For day trips and short-stay situations
2. Wilderness First Aid - 40 Hours 🔗 Learn more For multi-day trips and expeditions
3. Wilderness First Responder - 80 Hours 🔗 Learn more For professional rescuers and emergency response teams

Eligibility

Indigenous Tourism BC will cover the full costs of this training for eligible participants:

• Indigenous peoples (First Nations, Inuit, Metis) residing in BC
• Indigenous-owned tourism businesses (51%+ Indigenous ownership), and employees of
• First Nations-owned tourism businesses (51%+ First Nations ownership), and employees of
• First Nations Communities in BC

Prerequisites

Prerequisites vary depending on the course level. Some courses are open to beginners, while others are designed for professionals. It's important to review the “Session Details” above before registering to learn more about each course and find the one that’s right for you.

Questions?

We would love to hear from you! Email [email protected]