Wilderness First Aid for Climbers

Dangerous accidents when climbing occur more often than you think. How we prepare and respond in a first aid scenario can significantly impact a patient’s chance of survival. From rescuing a partner stuck on the wall to dealing with severe trauma. Having the right skills, tools, and equipment can mean the difference between life and death.

At Golden Mountain Guides, we are committed to providing our community with high-quality, realistic education to keep you safe and prepared in the mountains. We are excited to announce that we have partnered with Backcountry Pulse to offer a specialized Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course for climbers!

Why a Climbers WFA?

Over the last few years we have talked with guides, climbers, recreators and clients of what they wanted out of a course, and having a first aid course that focuses on what climbers specifically face has been apparent. Climbers face unique challenges when injuries occur. Oftentimes we are on a rock face, far away from emergency services, with limited resources. Here are some other reasons why a WFA for climbers may be right for you.

Targeted Training: Focuses on climbing-specific injuries and scenarios, such as falls, head trauma, and pulley injuries, which are more relevant to climbers.
Use of Climbing Gear: Teaches how to utilize climbing equipment for first aid purposes, including stabilization techniques and improvised evacuation methods.
Rock Rescue Skills: Includes essential rock rescue skills, such as ascending and descending ropes with a patient, load transfers, and improvised lowers.
Realistic Scenarios: Provides hands-on practice with scenarios that climbers are likely to encounter, enhancing readiness and confidence.
Environmental Awareness: Covers environmental hazards specific to climbing locations, such as dealing with exposure, altitude, and weather conditions.
WFR Recertification: The 3-day course also counts as a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) recertification, adding value for those with existing certifications.
Expert Instructors: Instructors with climbing certifications through the AMGA offer insights and techniques tailored to the unique challenges climbers face.

What Sets Our Course Apart?

Our Wilderness First Aid course covers all required material for a 16-hour WFA certification by the Wilderness Medical Society, but it’s designed by climbers and focuses on climbing-specific injuries and illnesses.

For those who opt for the 3-day course, you’ll gain rock rescue essential skills through hands-on scenarios. We cover ascending and descending a rope with a client, load transfers, and improvised lowers. The course concludes with first aid scenarios involving rope work. Plus, our 3-day WFA course counts as a recertification for your Wilderness First Responder (WFR)!

The Learning Environment

To ensure the best learning experience, our courses are taught in an outdoor classroom setting (weather permitting).

Why an Outdoor Setting? Our goal is to provide a realistic training environment that closely mimics the conditions you’ll face in actual wilderness situations. Training outdoors allows participants to:

Practice in Real Conditions: Gain hands-on experience in the same environment where you’ll apply these skills.
Adapt to Environmental Challenges: Learn to manage variables like weather, terrain, and limited resources.
Build Confidence: Increase your comfort and confidence in handling emergencies outside, far from the controlled environment of an indoor classroom.
Enhance Teamwork: Foster stronger teamwork and communication skills in a natural setting, crucial for real-life rescue scenarios.

By immersing ourselves in the outdoor environment, we ensure that our training is as practical and applicable as possible, preparing you to respond effectively in real-life situations.

Join Us and Be Prepared

Accidents can happen anytime, and being prepared can make all the difference. In our Wilderness First Aid course for climbers, you will be provided with the necessary skills to handle mountain emergencies. Don’t wait until it’s too late – sign up now to ensure you’re ready to respond when it matters most.

For more information and to book your spot, click the link here. Let’s climb responsibly and keep each other safe out there!