Join WFA training and help the mountain community!

Open to all MITOC members, not just leaders or prospective leaders!

Missed the signups but want to take WFA soon?

There are several options for WFA training in the coming weeks/months in the metro Boston/New Hampshire areas, including here and here, for example.

What's WFA?

Wilderness First Aid is a two-day introduction to general medical concepts and basic life support skills. The course is being offered by Mountain Education & Development LLC. If you are or want to become a MITOC winter leader this course is very helpful, as having a WFA or WFR is a requirement to become a full B or C leader.

When is it?

WFA: Saturday (November 16) and Sunday (November 17) from 8:00am - 5:00pm, with a 1 hour lunch break each day.

WFR recertification: Saturday (November 16) from 8:00am-5:00pm and 6:00-8:00pm, with a 1 hour lunch break; Sunday (November 17) from 8:00am-5:00pm with a 1 hour working lunch.

Where is it?

MIT campus, room 2-190. Please arrive promptly.

What's covered?

Wilderness Medicine Theory & Legality; Patient Assessment; Documentation; Bleeding & Shock; Wilderness Wound & Burn Management; Spine Injuries; Head Injuries; Cold Injuries; Heat Illnesses; Allergies & Anaphylaxis; Diabetic Emergencies; Lightning; Altitude Illnesses; Abdominal Emergencies; Athletic Injuries; Fractures; Dislocations; Emergency & Evacuation Plans; Common Wilderness Medicine Problems; First Aid Kits & Medications.

Certification Guidelines:

Upon successful completion of the course components, a student is granted a Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification or Wilderness First Responder (WFR) recertification. Certifications are valid for three years.

Cost:

The course costs $295 to participants (or $325 for WFR recertification), with the possibility of obtaining a $100 subsidy, details below.

Leader subsidy:

We’re offering a $100 subsidy. You can qualify for the subsidy if you lead/co-lead at least TWO trips (of any type or season) either before or after the training. The trips need to be done in the past year to qualify (and not used for prior leader subsidies), and you must request reimbursement after leading the two trips but before April 2025.

To request reimbursement (for leader subsidies), follow these steps for reimbursement:

• Follow the directions for reimbursement at https://mitoc.mit.edu/about/get-reimbursed.
• On the form, request $100.

• Email mitoc-trez@mit.edu (CC trip leaders Charlotte and Stella)

  • Subject line: MITOC WFA Subsidy
  • Include: links to the two trips which you have led. if you don't have MIT certificates, also include your WFA receipt and proof of purchase (credit card/bank statement showing the charge) in this email.

Desk credit:

You can also pay with MITOC desk credit. To pay with desk credit, pay the full course cost in full to MED and then request reimbursement. You may receive a leader subsidy and also pay with desk credit.

• Follow the directions for reimbursement at https://mitoc.mit.edu/about/get-reimbursed.

How to sign up:

• Visit MED’s signup page
• Read all the information on the course page
• Pay the $295 or $325 course fee!
• Sign up as a participant on this trip page

Deadline:

Sign up and payment deadline is November 1, 2024.

Note: Your spot in the course will not be confirmed unless your payment is received through MED’s signup. Space is limited; sign up and pay today! Please feel free to email Stella and Charlotte with questions.