WFA1

The photos above were taken at Patriots' Path's first WFA training class held in September 2007

Winner of the BSA National Risk Management Award for 2008

Philmont changed their first aid training requirement in 2008 to be that a crew have a minimum of one person certified in Wilderness First Aid (WFA) rather than the requirement of previous years for one person to be standard first aid trained. Chief Watchu highly recommends that three persons in each crew become certified in WFA and your Watchu fee includes the cost for training three crew members. Having three certified will prevent any dropouts who may be trained from impacting your crew. If no one in your crew is WFA trained when you arrive at Philmont, you will not be allowed on the trails. As matter of clarification, WFA training in no way satisfies or replaces the requirement for a minimum of one person in each crew to be CPR certified – in fact, CPR certification is a prerequisite for attending WFA training. Chief Watchu recommends in addition to those WFA trained that as many other crew members as possible be CPR certified. Knowing it can be difficult to obtain WFA training, Patriots' Path Council in partnership with the American Red Cross (ARC) has established a program within the council, using BSA volunteers to keep the cost down to an absolute minimum. Dates of WFA and CPR training courses are listed on the Council Course Offerings tab - download a registration form for the session(s) you wish to attend and send it to council to get on the roster. ARC WFA certifications, now known as Wilderness and Remote First Aid, is good for two years and CPR certification for one. Participants must be 14 years old or older for certifications.

American Red Cross WRFA training description.

Crew First Aid Kit - suggested contents

WRFA Acronyms

Downloadable Recsue Request Forms foor your next outdoors trip:

Old Rescue Request form

WRFA Rescue Request

WRFA Rescue Request, Alternate 1

WRFA Rescue Request, Alternate 2

WRFA Rescue Request, Alternate 3

Patriots' Path Council Wilderness First Aid (WFA) courses:  

All WFA training will be conducted from 8:00am to 5:00pm on Saturday and Sunday - WFA Registration Form (available soon). Be sure to make note of the training dates and locations as shown below. Participants must be 14 years old or older.

Proposed training dates for the 2012 to 2013 training program. To be confirmed.

  • November 3 & 4, 2012 at Camp Somers Dining Hall
  • December 1 & 2, 2012 at Camp Somers Dining Hall
  • March 9 & 10, 2013 at Camp Somers Dining Hall
  • April 6 & 7, 2013 at Camp Somers Dining Hall
  • May 11 & 12, 2013 at Camp Somers Dining Hall
  • November 2 & 3, 2013 at Camp Somers Dining Hall
  • November 23 & 24, 2013 at Camp Somers Dining Hall

IMPORTANT NOTES:

  • You are required to have a current CPR certification before taking WFA training. See the CPR training dates below.
  • Bring your own lunch and drinks for both days.
  • Wear comfortable clothes you won't mind getting dirty, including dressing in layers and rain gear for the outdoor sessions.
  • Bring your backpack packed for the trail (the contents are your "first aid kit").
  • Overnight camping is available for a small fee.
  • Download the welcome letter for more specific details.

Patriots' Path Council CPR courses:  

All CPR classes are limited to the first 12 persons and will be conducted from 6:30 to 11:00pm on Friday - CPR Registration Form (available soon). Be sure to make note of the training dates and locations as shown below. Participants must be 14 years old or older.

Proposed training dates for the 2012 to 2013 training program. To be confirmed.

  • September 15, 2012 at Camp Wheeler Office
  • November 2, 2012 at Camp Somers Dining Hall
  • November 30, 2012 at Camp Somers Dining Hall
  • March 8, 2013 at Camp Somers Dining Hall
  • April 5, 2013 at Camp Somers Dining Hall
  • May 10, 2013 at Camp Somers Dining Hall
  • September 7, 2013 at Camp Somers Dining Hall
  • November 1, 2013 at Camp Somers Dining Hall
  • November 22, 2013 at Camp Somers Dining Hall

Additionlal CPR training may be scheduled as needed. Check on a regular basis for any additional classes. If you have a large enough group for a special class, contact our training team at wfa@watchu.org for availability.

 

Below are all nationally recognized WFA certifications accepted at Philmont
Philmont will accept the following levels of training (a copy of a current license must be presented) in place of a 16-hour Wilderness First Aid course.
  • Wilderness First Responder (72 hour course)
  • EMT - Basic, Intermediate, Paramedic
  • Military Corpsman or Medic
  • Outdoor Emergency Care
  • Registered Nurse
  • Licensed Nurse Practitioner
  • Licensed Physician's Assistant
  • Licensed Physician, MD (Medical Doctor) or DO (Doctor of Osteopathy)
Programs with WFA training outside of Patriots' Path Council available in New Jersey: