COVID-19 Practices
Teaching Precautions
Even During a Pandemic
Wilderness Medicine Skills Are
More Important Than Ever Before.
Certification Extension
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are extending all Wilderness Medicine certifications through 2021. Those who are eligible will be required to take an (open book) online exam with a passing score of 80% or better. Click below to get started!
We're Having a Fundraiser
Support Center for Wilderness Safety by purchasing a filter-ready reusable CWS Fundraiser Face Mask! We’re offering some awesome masks as a fundraiser, and for every mask sold, all proceeds will be used to help us prepare to both online & in-person wilderness medical courses!
Required by many outdoor programs (such as Scouts BSA for Philmont, Northern Tier, Florida Sea Base, etc.) this 16-hour course teaches participants the assessment of, and treatment given to an ill or injured person in a wilderness setting where help may be delayed.
This specialized two and a half day course teaches participants the assessment of, and treatment given to an ill or injured person in a remote and often cold, wet environment. WFA Afloat is packed with hands-on scenarios, all pertaining to water-related emergencies.
Wilderness First Responder is considered the industry standard for all outdoor professionals, trail and river guides, SAR personnel, trip leaders, etc. This 80-hour intensive course includes a wide range of topics including long-term patient care, evacuation and more!
Customers Reviews
What people say
GREAT organization! I've been taking courses and hosting courses with CWS for 6 years now and they offer AMAZING courses! Their curriculum, testing and staff are AWESOME! Definitely highly recommend them for anyone looking for training and certification in wilderness medicine.
Absolutely fantastic [WFA] course. All the hands-on scenarios really bring the concepts into reality. Knowledgeable instructors and tons of hands-on time!
Troop 51 had CWS conduct a First Aid Merit Badge class for our Scouts and other Scouts in the area. It was a fun and active experience and they did an outstanding job keeping the Scouts engaged. There was nothing boring about it. The Scouts & parents who stayed to learn along with them enjoyed the experience and learned a lot along the way.
CWS is not only the BEST company and instructors for your wilderness first aid training, but the ONLY place you should consider using! Don't be fooled by imposters. No one else compares, hands down!
I took their Wilderness First Responder class in July, and it was the best wilderness medicine class I've *ever* taken. I loved the realistic training scenarios, especially the chance to participate in roles that were outside my comfort zone. I strongly recommend the WFR & WFA class to others with full confidence they'll be fully satisfied. The Center for Wilderness Safety is a tremendous resource!
CWS is the best place to learn wilderness first aid in the mid-Atlantic region. Not only does the staff know everything about the most recent protocols in wilderness safety, they're also excellent teachers - the ratio of lecture to skills practice is superb! The staff’s enthusiasm and dedication to making sure you leave their course with the toolbox of knowledge and confidence to act is second to none. I would, with no hesitation, recommend CWS to anyone looking to advance their skills in wilderness safety!
Meet Some of Our Course Hosts:
Celebrating 16 Years of Wilderness Medicine Education + Training
Center for Wilderness Safety is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization that specializes in wilderness & remote medicine education and training. For over fifteen years, CWS has been one of the predominant programs in the field of wilderness medicine, offering courses such as Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness First Aid Afloat, Wilderness First Responder, and more. CWS is an affiliate of the Wilderness Medical Society and is a nationally-recognized provider of wilderness medicine programs, recognized and approved by the American Camp Association, the American Canoe Association, as well as Scouts BSA for all High Adventure & camping programs. We proudly use LiveChat as our customer service provider.
