NOLS WILDERNESS FIRST AID

NOLS is the leader in wilderness education since 1965
Coursedates
How it works

Organised by Crossing Latitudes and hosted by Sweden Survival.

Welcome to the official NOLS Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course

Prepare for the unexpected with our NOLS Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course at Basecamp Sörbygden, hosted by Sweden Survival. This hands-on, internationally recognised training equips you with the essential skills to manage emergencies in remote environments. Whether you're a seasoned outdoor professional or an adventurer, this course ensures you're ready to respond effectively.

Practical Information & Dates

This 5-day course combines theory, skills training, and immersive outdoor scenarios to deliver the ultimate learning experience. No prior medical knowledge is required – everyone is welcome.

  • Dates

    7 to 12 August 2026
    (Please note: We train in small groups. Limited places available)

  • Location

    Sörbygden Basecamp, Sörbygden 181, Sörbygden, Sweden

  • Language

    English (Dutch, Swedish, German translator on-site for support)

  • Certification

    NOLS WFA & CPR, including Epinephrine auto-injector certification
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Curriculum: What will you learn during this Wilderness First Aid course?

The Basics: Wilderness vs. Urban

We begin with the fundamentals of providing care when an ambulance is far away.

  • Infection Control
  • Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) in remote environments
  • Introduction: Wilderness vs. Urban Medicine

Patient Assessment

Learn to act systematically in an emergency using globally recognised protocols.

  • Initial Assessment & the A-B-C-D-E approach
  • Focused Exam (head-to-toe assessment)
  • Measuring Vital Signs (LOR, HR, RR, SCTM)
  • Focused Medical History (SAMPLE method)
  • Emergency and Evacuation Planning & Documentation

Trauma & Wound Care

Practical skills for treating physical injuries with limited resources.

  • Spinal Cord Injuries & Head Injuries
  • Shock management
  • Wilderness Wound Management, Burns & Infections
  • Athletic Injuries, Fractures & Dislocations

Environment, Illness & Equipment

Learn how to manage harsh environmental conditions and sudden medical issues.

  • Heat Illness & Cold Injury (hypothermia and heat-related conditions)
  • The Medical Patient: managing conditions such as diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, and heart conditions
  • Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reactions)
  • Wilderness First Aid Kits (what you really need in your backpack)

Your Experience: Practical NOLS Wilderness Medicine Training

  • Led by NOLS Experts: You are not just attending a course – you are trained directly by official NOLS Wilderness Medicine instructors with years of global field experience.
  • Dynamic Outdoor Training: No endless PowerPoint presentations. Expect immersive, unpredictable outdoor scenarios with daily personal feedback to sharpen your skills.
  • Real-World Preparation: Train with confidence through an evidence-based medical curriculum. No guesswork, but proven protocols developed by a medical advisory panel for real survival situations.
Expect intensive, rewarding days where theory is immediately put into practice, both indoors and in the rugged Swedish wilderness. Come prepared to be challenged and inspired.
Fees & Inclusions: Your NOLS WFA Certification
Please note: Groups are small and fill up quickly. Full payment guarantees your place.
Course price
1 person, VAT exempt
SEK 600,00
What is included in this price?

You will receive everything you need to successfully complete the course and take the knowledge with you:

  • Globally Recognised Certifications: NOLS Wilderness First Aid & CPR certification
  • Official NOLS Course Materials: Wilderness Medicine handout and the practical NOLS Pocket Guide for use in the field
  • Practical Tools: The NOLS Patient Assessment Bandana (an essential quick-reference tool in the wilderness)
  • Equipment: All medical consumables and equipment required for the outdoor scenarios
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What can you expect from our NOLS WFA Training?

We promise intensive yet highly rewarding days. No dull theory from outdated manuals, but the latest industry protocols applied directly in practice.

🌲 100% Practical: Most of the training takes place outdoors with realistic scenarios. Mud, rain or snow – we train in the elements.
🗣️ Direct Feedback: Receive daily one-to-one feedback from our instructors to rapidly improve your skills.
🩺 Medically Grounded: Learn proven, evidence-based protocols approved by a medical advisory panel.
🧗 Experienced Instructors: You are trained by dynamic NOLS experts with years of experience in both backcountry survival and emergency care.

Accommodation & Meals at Basecamp Sörbygden

Bookings via Sweden Survival or Crossing Latitudes
Complete your WFA experience. While accommodation and meals are not included in the course fee, we offer flexible options directly at Basecamp Sörbygden so you can focus 100% on your training:

🛏️ Sleeping Options: Shared rooms or a comfortable bunkhouse
⛺ Camping: Designated spots for your own tent or camper
🍳 Self-Catering: Fully equipped kitchens at your disposal
🥪 Catering: Breakfast and lunch packages available on request

🚐 Transport Needed? No stress. We offer a convenient pick-up service from nearby train and bus stations, ensuring a smooth journey into the Swedish wilderness.

> Book here <

What do we expect from you during the NOLS WFA Course?

To ensure everyone gets the most out of this intensive training and to maintain a safe learning environment, we have a few clear guidelines:

🧠 Active Participation & Focus: We expect you to arrive on time each day, come prepared, and review the theory in the evenings. Questions or doubts? Speak up. To maintain focus, phones and laptops must remain switched off during training hours.
🤝 Respect & Safety: Treat fellow participants and instructors with respect, both in the classroom and during outdoor scenarios. Intimidation in any form will not be tolerated.
🚭 Clear Mind & Sobriety: Smoking, alcohol, and recreational drugs are strictly prohibited during course hours.
🐕 Pets: Regular pets are not allowed in the classroom or at scenario locations. If you bring a pet, you will be asked to leave the training until the animal is safely accommodated elsewhere.

If you have an official service dog, this is of course an exception. If you plan to bring a service dog, please contact us in advance before registering so we can discuss the arrangements together.

Your Equipment: What to bring to the WFA Course

As a large part of the training takes place outdoors in the Swedish wilderness, the right clothing and equipment are essential. We train in all weather conditions!

  • Clothing: Use a layering system (base layer, insulation, wind/waterproof). Avoid cotton.
  • Footwear: Sturdy, well-worn hiking boots suitable for mud and wet conditions.
  • Daypack: A small backpack (approx. 25–30 litres) for your daily essentials, water, and notebook.
  • Personal Items: Torch/headlamp, water bottle, and of course your enthusiasm.
📥 [ Download the Complete NOLS WFA Packing List (PDF) ]

Take the first step: Enrol in your NOLS WFA Certification

Take the step today towards becoming a confident wilderness responder. Join us on this life-saving journey into the heart of wilderness first aid.
How does registration work?
  • Choose your date: Check availability (August 2026)
  • Secure your place: Complete the payment (your place is only confirmed once payment has been received)
  • Prepare yourself: You will immediately receive all practical information, and if desired, we can arrange your accommodation and transport at the basecamp
Still have questions before booking?
Contact Victor Angelier directly via victor@swedensurvival.com or learn more about our partner Crossing Latitudes.
More info on Crossing Latitudes
NOLS WILDERNESS MEDICINE
Take the first step towards becoming a confident wilderness responder. Join us for this life-saving journey into the heart of first aid in remote settings!