LaSalle Council Scouting America

Wilderness First Aid Training 2026

What is “Wilderness First Aid” through Emergency Care & Safety Institute (ECSI)?

Wilderness first aid, or “WFA”, is a generic term that commonly refers to any training course that focuses on prevention, assessment, and treatment for an ill or injured person in a remote environment where definitive care by a physician and/or rapid transport is not readily available. This is defined as being an hour or more away from advanced care.  WFA courses are intended for anyone planning a remote high adventure, from lay responders to medical professionals.

This is a blended course consisting of 8 hours of self-paced online lessons with a comprehensive final exam and 8 hours in person skills training session at Camp ToPeNeBee, Saturday March 7, 2026. Please note, it is encouraged to spread this online training out over several days. In addition, participants should plan to practice the skills taught in the online training prior to attending the in-person skills training.

• Wilderness First Aid certification is good for 2 years.
• Participants need to be 14 years or older and have a current certificate in CPR/AED.

How do I register? 

Step 1:  Register with ESCI for the BSA Wilderness First Aid Navigate Course (Fifth Edition)

https://www.ecsinstitute.org/training-programs/firstaid/productdetails/9781284224719

Cost: $40.00 (additional 15% off coupon as of 10/21/2025: P24V15 )

Suggested but not required:

Get the Field Guide along with the online course so you have a handy reference when you don’t have access to online resources.

BSA Wilderness First Aid and Wilderness First Aid Field Guide (Fifth Edition)

https://www.ecsinstitute.org/training-programs/firstaid/productdetails/9781284295962

Cost: $60.95 (additional 15% off coupon as of 10/21/2025: P24V15 )

Step 2:  Complete LaSalle Council Registration for 8hr in person Wilderness First Aid skills training Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Camp ToPeNeBee.  ** Registration will close on Sunday, March 1st at 4:00PM EST.

Camp and training materials fee/participant $10.00 paid to LaSalle Council. (register using the ticket below)

Step 3:  Complete the online training and email to Ed Witte (ewwitte@comcast.net):

• Course Completion Certificate
• Invoice Number from your order

Step 4:  Complete the 8 hr in person skills session March 7, 2026 at Camp Topenebee

• Receive certification from ECSI after successful completion of the skills training

Please contact Ed Witte for further information. ewwitte@comcast.net or 219-616-6252

Scouting America has identified the following providers as meeting Scouting America’s requirements
for WFA training:

• American Red Cross (ARC)
  • 16 hour in person training

• Emergency Care & Safety Institute (ECSI)
  • 16 hour blended learning
    • 8 hour self-paced online training
      • It is encouraged to spread this online training out over several days. In addition, participants should plan to practice the skills taught in the online training prior to attending the in person skills training.
    • 8 hour in person training

WFA Certification Requirements

• Current certificate for CPR/AED
• 14+ years old
• Current Scouting America registration

In 2026, we will be offering one additional Wilderness First Aid Course.

May 30-31, 2026: Registration closes on Friday, May 22nd | 7:30AM EST to 5:30PM each day.
Course Option: Wilderness & Remote First Aid (ARC)
Location: Camp ToPeNeBee 0377 N Holmesville Rd, Michigan City, IN 46360
Time Commitment:  16 hour in person all outdoor training at Camp ToPeNeBee & Backpacking course with overnight camping required
More Details: www.LaSalleCouncil.org/Event/WRFA_0526

For more information:

• Scouting America Wilderness First Aid guidance:  https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/wilderness-fa/
• LaSalle Council course contact: Ed Witte | 219-616-6252 | ewwitte@comcast.net