About Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA) Program
The Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA) course is a 4-day intensive training program designed for outdoor adventurers and professionals who need wilderness medical certification. Run by MHO Adventures as a Licensed Training Provider with Wilderness Medical Associates International, this course equips you with essential lifesaving skills and patient care knowledge for remote environments where professional help may be delayed for hours or even days.
During the course, you'll learn basic lifesaving techniques, comprehensive patient assessment protocols, field care for common injuries and illnesses, recognition and treatment of environmental emergencies, and proper procedures for calling and coordinating rescue assistance. The curriculum combines classroom instruction with practical, hands-on training so you develop real competency in wilderness medical response. Upon completion, you'll earn an internationally recognized certification from Wilderness Medical Associates International, one of the world's leading wilderness medical training providers.
The program takes place at MHO Adventures' 20-acre forested base camp just 15 minutes south of Huntsville, Ontario. The setting offers far more than a classroom—you'll train in an actual outdoor environment where you can learn practical skills in context. During breaks and downtime, you can swim in Mary Lake, enjoy sunrises and sunsets from the beach, explore nearby trails for running or walking, and unwind around the fire pit with fellow participants, creating a true community learning experience.
Accommodation and meals are included or available at reasonable rates. You can choose between tent camping ($80 for the full course), shared bunkies ($50/night), or private bunkies ($125/night)—all equipped with heating, lanterns, and charging banks. Meal options include a full meal plan with three hot, home-cooked meals daily ($300) or hot lunch only ($100) for commuters. This flexibility allows you to customize your experience based on your comfort level and budget.
WAFA is ideal if you work or volunteer in outdoor recreation, wilderness guiding, backcountry activities, or remote tourism, or if you're simply passionate about outdoor safety and want professional-level first aid training for your adventures. The course combines rigorous medical education with the authentic outdoor setting where you'll actually need these skills, making it both practical and genuinely transformative for anyone serious about wilderness medicine.