Wilderness First Aid | Elemental First Aid

Meet Graham

Graham is the most qualified person we know to be outside and is deeply passionate about outdoor adventure and education. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Physical and Health Education with a specialization in Outdoor Adventure Leadership, as well as a Bachelor of Education from Laurentian University in Sudbury, ON. His undergraduate program provided him with provincial and nationally recognized certifications in various aspects of the outdoor industry, training him to exceed industry standards in guiding disciplines such as white water canoeing, rock climbing, winter camping, sea kayaking, and backpacking. Additionally, he received training in wilderness emergency medicine, vertical rescue, and white water rescue.

With over a decade of experience as a freelance outdoor guide, Graham has spent the past six years as a lead guide, specializing in mountain biking, hiking, white water and flatwater canoeing and kayaking (both day and multi-day trips), winter camping, and backcountry skiing. He has also taken on roles in training and mentoring new guides and coordinating large trips involving more than 40 participants.

For the past three years, Graham has been a full-time high school teacher with the Western Quebec School Board, where he teaches Physical Education and Outdoor Education. He imparts outdoor living skills to his students and guides school camping trips, including canoe trips and winter camping.

In addition to his teaching and guiding roles, Graham has been a part-time first aid instructor for nine years. He began his teaching career with the town of Ajax while working as a lifeguard and swim instructor. Currently, he works as an independent contractor for Elemental First Aid and Canadian Wilderness Medical Training, teaching a range of courses including Emergency First Aid, Standard First Aid, BLS, all levels of CPR, AED, Wilderness First Aid, and Advanced Wilderness First Aid. He is also working towards becoming an instructor for the Wilderness First Responder course.

Course Description

The Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course is a two-day, 16-hour program consisting of theoretical classroom instruction, and hands on practical scenarios. This course serves as an introduction to wilderness emergency care and aims to equip participants with the skills they need to adapt standard first aid procedures for a wilderness environment. This course is for individuals who participate in any form of outdoor recreation, outdoor leaders, instructors and guides, or anyone who routinely works or plays an hour or more away from definitive care.

Course Topics

First Aid and Wilderness Emergency Care
Leadership & Liability
Anatomy & Physiology 101
- Principal Body Systems
Patient Assessment System
- Scene Survey o Primary Survey – drills & practice
- Secondary Survey – scenarios / drills & practice
- Documentation
Basic Life Support
- Airway Management and CPR in the Wilderness
Traumatic Injuries
- Head / Chest / Abdomen / Spine – practical scenarios
Shock: Recognition & Management
Patient Stabilization and Evacuation
- Patient Positioning / Carries – drills & practice
- Spinal Cord Injury Management – drills & practice
Wound Management in a Remote Setting
- Guiding Principles
- Short Term / Long Term Care
Musculoskeletal Injuries
- Sprains / Strains / Fractures / Dislocations
- Immobilization & Splinting Techniques – scenarios / drills & practice
Environmental Emergencies
- Sudden medical emergencies, poisoning, Heat Illnesses / Hyperthermia
- Cold injuries / Hypothermia – practical scenario
- Drowning / Near Drowning
- Allergies, Anaphylaxis & Epinephrine – practical scenario

Canadian Wilderness Medical Training

CWMT is an organization of professionals in pre-hospital care, outdoor leadership and education dedicated to providing the best possible training and support for our clients.

CWMT instructors are members of the Wilderness Medical Society. CWMT programs follow the practice standards of the Wilderness.

Medical Society, Emergency Cardiac Care Institute, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and the American Association of Emergency Physicians.

CWMT is a certified education centre for the Emergency Care and Safety Institute.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Materials Do I Need To Bring?

· Note taking material (pens, pencil notebook etc.)

· Clothes suitable for outdoors. Long pants and sleeves recommended, even in summer. These clothes will likely get dirty as we will be sitting and lying on the ground during simulations.

· Adequate footwear. Closed toed shoes recommended

· Rain gear if there is rain in the forecast.

· Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray

· Water, snacks, and lunch or money to purchase lunch.

What If It is Raining?

Injuries more commonly occur in storms and wet weather. The course runs rain or shine. Please come prepared with appropriate attire to be outside for extended periods of time.

What Happens If I Miss A Day?

100% attendance is mandatory for successful completion of the course.

Are There Breaks And A Lunch?

Each day there will be various short breaks taken throughout the day, as well as a 1hr lunch break. Participants are able to bring their own packed lunch, or go out to the various establishments in town.

Do I Get A CPR Certificate?

Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a certification in Wilderness First Aid, Including CPR and AED.

How Long Is My Certification Valid?

The Wilderness First Aid certification is valid for 3 years. After 3 years participants are required to retake the course to remain certified.

Can I Upgrade to Advanced Wilderness First Aid?

Participants may choose to upgrade to Advanced Wilderness First Aid by taking an additional 2 day course within a year of the completion of this program.