WILDERNESS FIRST AID
Be Prepared Beyond the Trail
Planning a trip into the backcountry where a 911 call may not go through or rescue could be hours away? Heading to Philmont, Northern Tier, the Summit, Sea Base, or hiking the Appalachian Trail with your troop or crew? Wilderness First Aid prepares you to provide care when professional help may be delayed.
Take your standard first aid skills to the next level. American Red Cross Wilderness First Aid is accepted at all four Scouting America high-adventure bases: Philmont, Northern Tier, the Summit, and Sea Base.
High-adventure training requirements vary by location. Before attending any course offered outside the Atlanta Area Council, verify with the high-adventure base or outfitter that the certification meets its current requirements.
RESOURCES
Wilderness First Aid - American Red Cross
This 16-hour course is developed by the American Red Cross and taught by Scout leaders who are certified ARC instructors. Participants who successfully complete all course requirements earn an American Red Cross Wilderness First Aid certification valid for two years.
The course includes an orientation session and an all-day hands-on scenario session. Participants must attend both required sessions to complete the training.
The course is open to adults and youth age 14 and older. Youth participants are especially encouraged to attend.
Requirements
- Participants must attend one evening or afternoon session and one all-day Saturday session.
- Participants must be at least 14 years old by the completion date of the course.
- Participants must hold a current adult CPR / AED certification.
- Participants must bring a current Scouting America Annual Health and Medical Record, Parts A and B.
- Each participant must have their own email address. If you already hold an American Red Cross certification, use the same email address associated with your existing ARC record whenever possible.
The Atlanta Area Council accepts CPR / AED certifications from the American Red Cross (ARC) or American Heart Association (AHA). Online-only courses do not qualify. Participants must complete and pass an in-person Adult CPR / AED skills session.
CPR / AED Requirement
If you do not have a valid CPR / AED certification when your Wilderness First Aid course begins, you may complete an approved American Red Cross CPR / AED course. The course must include an in-person skills session and must be completed within one month of your Wilderness First Aid course.
Your Wilderness First Aid certification will not be issued until the CPR / AED requirement has been successfully completed.
Find American Red Cross CPR Classes
Minimum Age: 14
Course Fee: $85 per participant
Questions may be directed to Wilderness First Aid.
COURSES
Upcoming Courses
2026 Winter Courses
Option A - February 22 & March 7
February 22, 2026: 2:00-6:00 p.m. at the Atlanta Area Council Service Center
March 7, 2026: 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at Bert Adams Scout Camp
Participants must attend both sessions to complete the Wilderness First Aid course.
OR
Option B - February 26 & March 7
February 26, 2026: 6:00-10:00 p.m. at the Atlanta Area Council Service Center
March 7, 2026: 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at Bert Adams Scout Camp
Participants must attend both sessions to complete the Wilderness First Aid course.
Need CPR / AED Training?
Date: March 7, 2026
Time: 6:00-10:00 p.m.
Location: Bert Adams Scout Camp
Cost: $65
This is a separate registration from Wilderness First Aid. Participants who need both certifications must register for both courses.
Register for March 7 CPR / AED Training
2026 Fall Courses
Option C - October 15 & October 24
October 15, 2026: 6:00-10:00 p.m. at the Atlanta Area Council Service Center
October 24, 2026: 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at Allatoona Aquatics Base
Participants must attend both sessions to complete the Wilderness First Aid course.
OR
Option D - October 18 & October 24
October 18, 2026: 2:00-6:00 p.m. at the Atlanta Area Council Service Center
October 24, 2026: 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at Allatoona Aquatics Base
Participants must attend both sessions to complete the Wilderness First Aid course.
Need CPR / AED Training?
Date: October 24, 2026
Time: 6:00-10:00 p.m.
Location: Allatoona Aquatics Base
Cost: $65
This is a separate registration from Wilderness First Aid. Participants who need both certifications must register for both courses.
Register for October 24 CPR / AED Training
Resources
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