WFA-AWFA Bridge Course
This bridge course provides the opportunity for Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification holders to upgrade to an Advanced Wilderness First Aid (AWFA) certification. This intensive two-day course provides in depth information on medical and environmental emergencies alongside hands-on practice of backcountry first aid skills.
Overview
Students learn advanced information on medical and environmental emergencies both in the classroom and in the mountains, trails, and streams at NOC’s Nantahala River Campus. With a focus on leadership, students learn to take control of medical situations with confidence. This course curriculum goes into greater depth of the basic first aid subjects while emphasizing the importance of leadership skills and challenging your decision-making skills.
What You’ll Learn
- Patient Assessment
- Injury Management
- CPR
Skills You’ll Acquire
- Medical Decision Making
- Litter Packaging
- Traction Splinting
What to Expect
This course takes place in NOC’s SOLO Classroom, participants should check in at 8AM and the course concludes at 6PM each day. Students will learn both in the classroom and on the mountain trails and streams at NOC’s Nantahala River Campus.
Dates
Upcoming Dates
| Dates | Location | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 4-5, 2025 | Bryson City, NC | ||
| Apr 5-6, 2025 | Bryson City, NC | ||
| Sep 17-18, 2025 | Bryson City, NC |
Location
Instructors at This Location
Before You Visit
- All necessary course equipment
- Experienced Certified Instructors
- Lodging & Meals are not provided but are available on NOC’s campus
NOC Provides the primary gear needed for each course.
Course participants should plan to have seasonally appropriate clothing as we will spend a significant amount of time outside. The following list is to supplement the clothing you will be wearing. If you have trouble locating some of these items please call us as we have a limited amount to loan.
Necessary Items (for All Classes)
- Backpack to put everything in (medium to large)
- Rain gear (tops and bottoms)
- Layers of clothing (for splinting exercises and to keep yourself warm during scenarios)
- Warm hat or sun hat
- Water bottles (at least 1 qt/litre)
- Some snacks
- Pen and notepad
- Wrist Watch (cell phone is not sufficient)
- Footwear appropriate to the terrain (closed toes, no flip flops)
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
Additional Items
(Optional for WFA, Required for AWFA, WFR, WEMT, WEMT Module)
- Old Sleeping bag or blanket
- Footwear you don’t mind getting wet
- Knife
- Plastic tarp or groundsheet (min 6’X6’)
- Headlight
- Sleeping pad (ensolite or thermarest)
- Personal first aid kit (Band-Aids etc)
- Trekking poles (useful but not required)
- Students must be at least 16 years of age. All minors must be accompanied by an adult.
- Students must hold a current Wilderness First Aid Certification.
NOC is home to two onsite restaurants, and hours vary seasonally. View hours for River’s End Restaurant and Big Wesser. Snacks are available for purchase at the General Store.
