Our Certification Courses

A field‑focused Wilderness First Aid Afloat course delivered by the National Wilderness Leadership Institute (NWLI) and certified by SOLO that prepares paddling leaders, expedition crews, and afloat program staff to manage medical incidents on or near water where evacuation may be delayed. Instruction emphasizes water‑specific risk assessment, patient packaging and movement on boats and shorelines, and prolonged care techniques adapted to small‑craft environments. The course blends classroom instruction, hands‑on skills stations, and realistic on‑water scenarios to build practical competence and decision‑making under operational constraints. Learning outcomes • Perform water‑adapted primary and secondary assessments — rapidly identify life threats while accounting for wet, cold, and unstable environments. • Stabilize airway, breathing, and circulation afloat — apply BLS, airway adjuncts, and hemorrhage control with limited space and resources. • Manage common aquatic and environmental conditions — treat hypothermia, immersion injuries, near‑drowning, and marine envenomations. • Package and move patients on watercraft and shorelines — construct improvised litters, secure patients in kayaks/canoes, and coordinate team carries. • Make evacuation and transport decisions — weigh on‑scene care versus paddle/row/motor evacuations and coordinate with external rescue assets. • Lead a medical response in small‑boat operations — assign roles, maintain scene safety, and document care for handoff to EMS. Course format: nstruction covers water‑specific and core wilderness medicine topics through short lectures, progressive skills stations, and full‑day on‑water scenarios that simulate delayed evacuation. Key modules include: • Foundations of Afloat Medicine — scene safety on water, legal considerations, and risk management. • Water‑Adapted Primary Care — rapid assessment, airway and breathing strategies in confined craft. • Trauma and Musculoskeletal Care Afloat — splinting, wound care, and spinal considerations for water rescues. • Environmental and Immersion Illnesses — hypothermia, near‑drowning physiology, and heat/altitude considerations for paddling trips. • Patient Packaging and Transport — improvised litters, kayak/canoe stabilization, motorboat transfer techniques, and shore extraction. • Leadership, Communication, and Evacuation Planning — incident command for small teams, radio/phone reporting, and coordination with SAR/EMS. Who should attend Paddlesport guides, expedition leaders, outdoor educators, search and rescue volunteers, and program staff who operate on lakes, rivers, or coastal waters and need practical, water‑specific first‑aid skills. The course is also appropriate for trip participants who want a higher level of preparedness for multi‑day or remote paddling trips. Organizations can request tailored sessions focused on their craft type, typical trip length, or local environmental hazards.

American Red Cross Adult & Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED Offered by the National Wilderness Leadership Institute (NWLI) The National Wilderness Leadership Institute provides American Red Cross Adult & Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED training designed to equip community members, caregivers, and workplace teams with the skills and confidence to respond to emergencies. Our courses blend hands‑on practice, clear instruction, and a supportive learning environment—reflecting NWLI’s commitment to safety, preparedness, and community care. What You’ll Learn Participants gain essential, evidence‑based skills to recognize and respond to a wide range of medical emergencies, including: • Adult and pediatric CPR techniques • Use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) • Choking relief for adults, children, and infants • First aid for sudden illness and injury • How to assess a scene and provide safe, effective care until help arrives Course Format NWLI delivers this course in a streamlined, learner‑friendly format: • Blended Learning Option – Complete the Red Cross online module at your own pace before attending the in‑person skills session. • Instructor‑Led Skills Session – Practice lifesaving techniques with guidance from experienced NWLI instructors who prioritize clarity, confidence, and real‑world readiness. Certification Upon successful completion, participants receive a 2‑year American Red Cross Adult & Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED certification, recognized nationwide and accepted by employers, schools, and youth‑serving organizations. Why Train with NWLI • Supportive, high‑quality instruction grounded in real‑world emergency response • Small class sizes for personalized coaching • Clean, well‑equipped training spaces in the Reston/Herndon area • A mission‑driven organization dedicated to empowering communities through safety education

Build practical outdoor skills, steady judgment, and confident leadership in the backcountry. This two‑day, instructor‑led course blends hands‑on practice with field‑tested techniques so participants leave prepared to travel, shelter, and care for themselves and others in remote settings. What you’ll learn: • Navigation & orienteering — Read topographic maps, use a compass, and plan routes to move safely without electronic dependence. • Shelter construction — Construct durable, weather‑appropriate shelters using natural materials and lightweight gear. • Firecraft — Select fuel, use reliable ignition methods, and manage fire safely for warmth, cooking, and signaling. • Water sourcing & purification — Identify water sources and apply proven purification methods to maintain hydration. • Knots & rope work — Tie essential knots and apply rope techniques for shelter, hauling, and simple rescues. • Wilderness first aid — Assess injuries, stabilize patients, and apply improvised care until professional help is available. • Wild edible & medicinal plants — Recognize common regional plants for food and basic remedies while practicing sustainable harvesting. • Wildlife awareness & safety — Read animal behavior, reduce encounter risk, and respond appropriately to wildlife situations. Course format and logistics • Duration: 2.5 days with an overnight field component. • Setting: Outdoor classroom with progressive, scenario‑based exercises. • Instruction: Small groups led by NWLI instructors with emphasis on experiential learning and peer leadership. • Equipment: Participants receive a pre‑course packing list and brief on safety protocols. Who this course is for • New campers and outdoor beginners seeking foundational competence. • Hikers, backpackers, and weekend adventurers wanting practical, field‑tested skills. • Individuals aiming to increase self‑reliance and group leadership in remote environments. Outcomes and expectations: Participants will leave with a clear skill set they can apply immediately: confident navigation, reliable shelter and fire skills, basic medical response, and improved decision‑making under field conditions. NWLI emphasizes responsible stewardship, situational awareness, and the judgment needed to keep yourself and your group safe.

NWLI hosts the American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider course to equip healthcare professionals and other responders with the skills to recognize and respond to life‑threatening emergencies using high‑quality CPR, ventilations, and an automated external defibrillator (AED). The course follows current AHA science and education standards and results in an AHA BLS Provider course completion card upon successful skills verification. What Participants Will Learn • Recognition of cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest, and choking in adults, children, and infants. • High‑quality CPR techniques including correct rate, depth, and full chest recoil. • Safe and effective AED use and integration of defibrillation into the Chain of Survival. • Team dynamics and communication during multi‑rescuer scenarios. Course Format and Structure - Format: Instructor‑led classroom with hands‑on skills practice; NWLI may offer blended options (online knowledge modules plus an in‑person skills session) to accommodate schedules. - Duration: Typically 2–4 hours depending on format and class size. - Class Size: Small groups to maximize instructor feedback and individualized coaching. - Materials: Official AHA student resources and skills checklists. Who Should Attend • Healthcare providers and clinical staff who require AHA BLS Provider certification. • First responders, workplace safety teams, caregivers, and others who need standardized, evidence‑based lifesaving skills. Certification and Renewal • Participants who successfully complete all course requirements receive an AHA BLS Provider Course Completion Card, valid for two years. • NWLI offers renewal and refresher options to help learners maintain competency and meet employer or regulatory requirements. Why Choose NWLI NWLI combines professional instruction, small‑group practice, and organizational branding to deliver a polished learning experience that meets AHA standards and prepares participants to act confidently in emergencies.

Course overview This hands‑on, scenario‑driven Wilderness First Aid course from the National Wilderness Leadership Institute (NWLI) teaches practical, evidence‑based skills for managing medical emergencies in remote and austere environments. The curriculum emphasizes rapid patient assessment, improvised care using limited resources, and safe decision‑making for evacuation or prolonged field care. Learning objectives By the end of the course participants will be able to: • Perform a focused wilderness patient assessment and prioritize life‑threatening problems. • Manage common trauma including wound care, splinting, and basic hemorrhage control. • Recognize and treat environmental emergencies such as hypothermia, heat illness, and altitude‑related problems. • Stabilize medical emergencies (e.g., allergic reactions, diabetic events) until higher care is available. • Plan and execute safe evacuations using improvised litters, patient packaging, and risk assessment. Who should attend • Outdoor leaders, guides, and trip organizers • Backpackers, climbers, paddlers, and recreational outdoor enthusiasts • Scout leaders, camp staff, and anyone responsible for groups in remote settings. Format, prerequisites, and materials • Format: Instructor‑led mix of classroom instruction, hands‑on skills stations, and realistic field scenarios. • Duration: Two full days (16 contact hours). • Prerequisites: Minimum age typically 13; no prior medical training required. • What to bring: Weather‑appropriate outdoor clothing, notebook, water, and basic personal gear; expect outdoor skills practice. Assessment and certification Participants complete practical skills checks and scenario performance evaluations. Successful completion awards the SOLO Wilderness First Aid certificate, recognized globally and valid for two years.

American Red Cross Basic Life Support (BLS) r.25 – Blended Learning Course Delivered with NWLI’s commitment to clarity, confidence, and real‑world readiness The American Red Cross Basic Life Support (BLS) r.25 Blended Learning Course—offered through NWLI—gives healthcare providers, public safety personnel, and professional responders the skills and confidence to act decisively when lives depend on it. Grounded in the latest Red Cross resuscitation science, this course strengthens rapid assessment, high‑quality CPR performance, and coordinated team response in both clinical and community settings. At NWLI, we pair the Red Cross’s evidence‑based curriculum with our own instructional philosophy: training that is clear, supportive, and rooted in real‑world practice. Learners complete an interactive online module at their own pace, then join our instructors for a focused, hands‑on skills session that brings the material to life through scenario‑based learning and performance‑driven evaluation. What Makes NWLI’s Delivery Different • A learning environment built for confidence We meet learners where they are—new providers, seasoned clinicians, and everyone in between—ensuring each participant leaves feeling capable, prepared, and supported. • Scenario‑rich, team‑focused practice Our instructors emphasize communication, role clarity, and coordinated response, mirroring the dynamics of real emergencies. • Clear, structured skill development We use standardized Red Cross BLS Skill Sheets and NWLI’s signature coaching style to help participants refine technique and build muscle memory. • Efficient blended learning Complete the online portion on your schedule, then attend a streamlined in‑person session designed for maximum hands‑on time. Course Highlights • Aligned with r.25 Red Cross Resuscitation Science Incorporates the most current guidelines for high‑quality CPR, ventilation strategies, airway management, and team dynamics. Who Should Take This Course The BLS r.25 Blended Learning Course is ideal for: • Healthcare professionals • EMS and public safety personnel • Clinical and non‑clinical staff in medical settings • Students entering healthcare programs • Anyone who requires professional‑level CPR training Course Outcomes Participants will learn to: • Perform high‑quality CPR for adults, children, and infants • Use an AED safely and effectively • Provide ventilations using barrier devices and bag‑valve‑mask systems • Recognize and respond to respiratory and cardiac emergencies • Work as part of a coordinated, high‑performance resuscitation team • Apply critical thinking to real‑world emergency scenarios Successful completion earns a 2‑year American Red Cross Basic Life Support certification, widely recognized across healthcare and public safety professions.

Transformative, experiential leadership training delivered in the wild by NWLI. This two‑weekend program blends hands‑on outdoor skills, team dynamics, and environmental stewardship to develop confident, adaptable leaders who perform under pressure. Course overview: Learn leadership through direct experience in natural settings. NWLI’s curriculum pairs field‑based challenges with guided reflection and expert coaching so participants practice decision‑making, communication, and resilience while immersed in the wilderness. Key highlights • Outdoor leadership skills — Shelter building; map reading; navigation and orienteering; risk assessment for varied terrain. • Team building and collaboration — Structured group challenges that strengthen trust, communication, and shared problem solving. • Environmental stewardship — Leave‑no‑trace ethics, conservation principles, and practical practices for sustainable outdoor leadership. • Decision making under pressure — Realistic scenarios that sharpen rapid assessment, contingency planning, and adaptive leadership. • Wilderness first aid — Practical, scenario‑based training to assess injuries, stabilize patients, and make informed evacuation decisions in remote settings. • Leadership in action — Rotating leadership roles with targeted feedback from NWLI instructors to refine style and effectiveness. • Culminating expedition — A multi‑day field expedition where teams plan, lead, and execute a route, applying skills learned across the course. Who should enroll • Outdoor enthusiasts seeking structured leadership growth. • Aspiring leaders wanting practical, high‑impact experience. • Teams focused on cohesion and performance under stress. • Individuals pursuing personal or professional development through nature‑based learning. Course format and duration Two weekends combining classroom sessions, skills clinics, and extended fieldwork. NWLI provides expert instruction, course materials, and guided reflection to ensure learning transfers from the trail to everyday leadership contexts. Outcomes Participants leave with improved situational awareness, stronger team leadership skills, practical wilderness competencies, and a deeper commitment to environmental stewardship—ready to lead with confidence in unpredictable environments.

Advanced Wilderness First Aid (AWFA) trains outdoor leaders to deliver extended, high‑quality patient care and manage evacuations when professional medical help is delayed. The NWLI AWFA emphasizes practical decision‑making, leadership, and prolonged‑care skills for multi‑day trips in remote or semi‑remote environments. Who should attend: • Summer camp instructors, outdoor educators, and trip leaders running multi‑day programs. • Forest and trail guides operating where cell or satellite service exists but external help may be hours away. • Professional guides and staff who require a recognized wilderness medical credential. Key learning outcomes Participants will be able to: • Perform structured patient assessment (primary/secondary surveys; SOAP documentation). • Stabilize and manage traumatic injuries, medical illnesses, and environmental emergencies for extended care. • Lead and coordinate multi‑person rescues and evacuations. • Apply medicolegal best practices and maintain clear patient records. Core topics covered • Foundations: Wilderness vs. standard emergency care; medicolegal considerations. • Assessment & documentation: Primary/secondary surveys; SOAP notes. • Trauma care: Bleeding control; wound care; fractures; splinting; head and chest trauma. • Environmental medicine: Hypothermia; frostbite; heat illness; drowning; lightning; bites and stings. • Medical emergencies: Cardiac events; respiratory distress; seizures; diabetes; poisoning; stroke. • Operational skills: Lifting, moving, and transport techniques; personal preparedness; leadership and team roles. • Practical application: Extended‑care scenarios, multi‑patient management, mock rescues, and final certification testing. Professional relevance Graduates commonly serve as summer camp leaders, college outdoor program trip leaders, residential camp staff, and professional guides. The SOLO AWFA credential signals readiness to manage prolonged medical incidents confidently and competently in wilderness settings.

Babysitting & Child Care Education and Training The American Red Cross offers a full suite of Babysitting and Advanced Child Care courses designed to help young caregivers and child care professionals build confidence, strengthen their skills, and keep kids safe. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to deepen your expertise, our best‑in‑class training prepares you to be a capable, reliable caregiver families can trust. Participants can also choose to earn First Aid and CPR/AED certifications—valid for two years—which provide essential skills for responding to emergencies. Courses are available online and in person, making high‑quality training accessible for learners of all ages. Babysitting & Child Care Courses Our courses are designed for both new babysitters and experienced child care providers, offering practical skills for caring for children of all ages. Babysitting Basics Perfect for youth ages 11 and older, this online course teaches how to care for infants and children, respond to common emergencies, choose age‑appropriate activities, manage behavior, and even start a babysitting business. Babysitter’s Training Recommended for ages 11–15, this hands‑on course helps participants develop leadership skills, build their babysitting business, stay safe on the job, guide positive behavior, and learn basic child care and first aid skills. Advanced Child Care This course provides the knowledge and skills needed to care for infants and children in a variety of settings. Participants learn about professionalism, safety, child behavior and discipline, leadership, and essential child care practices. Note: This course does not meet state requirements for licensed child care providers. Why Train with the Red Cross For more than a century, the American Red Cross has helped people prepare for emergencies—from everyday incidents to large‑scale disasters. Millions train with us each year because our programs are trusted, evidence‑based, and designed to save lives. Real training makes a real difference. Just one week after completing his Red Cross CPR course, 17‑year‑old Reid Heiser used his training to save the life of a community member who collapsed at the recreation center where Reid worked. Their story is one of thousands that show how Red Cross training empowers ordinary people to take extraordinary action. Join the next generation of safe, confident caregivers—and learn skills that can make a life‑changing difference.

Course overview A 72-hour, field-focused Wilderness First Responder course from the National Wilderness Leadership Institute (NWLI) that prepares outdoor leaders, guides, and remote-care providers to assess and manage medical emergencies when definitive care is delayed. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills, scenario-based decision making, and leadership under stress, blending classroom instruction with extended outdoor simulations. Participants leave with the confidence to stabilize patients, make evacuation decisions, and lead a medical response in austere environments. Learning outcomes • Assess and prioritize injuries and illnesses using structured primary and secondary survey techniques. • Stabilize airway, breathing, circulation, and shock with improvised and standard wilderness techniques. • Manage common wilderness problems including fractures, soft-tissue injuries, environmental illness, and medical emergencies. • Plan and execute safe patient packaging, short- and long-distance evacuations, and multi-patient triage. • Lead a team response, communicate with rescuers and medical services, and document care for handoff. Course modules and format • Foundations of Wilderness Medicine — Scene safety; patient assessment; legal and ethical considerations. • Airway Breathing Circulation — Basic airway maneuvers; oxygen use; hemorrhage control; shock recognition. • Trauma Management — Splinting; wound care; spinal motion restriction; blunt and penetrating trauma. • Medical and Environmental Illness — Cardiac events; respiratory distress; hypothermia; heat illness; altitude sickness. • Evacuation and Improvisation — Litter construction; patient packaging; decision-making for evacuation vs. on-site care. • Leadership and Docum Instruction alternates short lectures, hands-on skills stations, and full-day field scenarios that simulate delayed-evacuation conditions. Skills are practiced until competency is demonstrated. Who should • Who should attend — Guides, trip leaders, search and rescue volunteers, outdoor educators, and remote workers who need advanced first-aid skills for prolonged care. Certification assessment and recertification Certification requires successful completion of written exams, practical skills stations, and participation in field scenarios. Graduates receive a SOLO Wilderness First Responder certificate recognized by outdoor programs and guiding organizations. HOW DO I RE-CERTIFY? You may take either a 2-day WFR Refresher Course or a 2-day WFA course (approved by SOLO WFRs only).

Learn essential life-saving skills with hands-on training.

Comprehensive, scenario-driven training delivered by NWLI that prepares healthcare providers and emergency responders to deliver high-quality advanced life support in adult and pediatric emergencies. The course emphasizes rapid assessment, team-based resuscitation, advanced airway management, resuscitation pharmacology, post‑resuscitation care, and integration of evidence‑based Red Cross protocols into real-world practice. Instruction combines focused lectures, hands-on skills stations, high-fidelity simulations, and structured debriefing to build clinical judgment, technical proficiency, and leadership under pressure. Learning Objectives • Rapid assessment — Perform primary and secondary assessments for critically ill or injured adults and children. • Team leadership — Lead and participate in effective resuscitation teams using structured communication and role assignment. • Airway and ventilation — Manage advanced airways, including endotracheal intubation and alternative airway devices. • Pharmacology — Select and administer resuscitation medications according to current Red Cross protocols. • Cardiac care — Interpret cardiac rhythms and implement interventions such as defibrillation and synchronized cardioversion. • Post‑resuscitation management — Deliver post‑resuscitation care addressing hemodynamic stabilization and transfer considerations. • Professional standards — Apply ethical, legal, and documentation standards relevant to advanced life support scenarios. Target Audience • Emergency physicians, nurses, paramedics, and advanced practice providers. • Hospital rapid response team members and prehospital clinicians seeking Red Cross Advanced Life Support certification or recertification.

Comprehensive, evidence-based training in advanced resuscitation and stabilization of newborns during the first critical minutes after birth. This American Red Cross–aligned course combines focused lectures, hands-on skills stations, and high-fidelity simulation to prepare clinicians and allied health professionals to recognize, intervene, and coordinate care for neonates in respiratory or cardiovascular compromise. Who should attend • Target audience — Neonatal nurses, labor and delivery nurses, midwives, respiratory therapists, pediatricians, emergency medicine clinicians, and advanced practice providers who care for newborns. • Experience level — Clinicians with basic neonatal care experience; course content is suitable for both those seeking initial advanced resuscitation skills and those needing a structured refresher. Prerequisites and certification • Prerequisites — Current basic life support (BLS) certification or equivalent clinical experience; facility-specific orientation may be required. • Certification — Successful completion awards an American Red Cross NALS course completion card valid for the period specified by the Red Cross. Participants must demonstrate competency in both cognitive and psychomotor skills to receive certification. Learning objectives By the end of the course participants will be able to: • Recognize signs of neonatal distress and determine the need for immediate resuscitation. • Perform airway management, positive-pressure ventilation, chest compressions, and vascular access appropriate for neonates. • Apply temperature regulation, glucose management, and thermoregulation strategies during stabilization. • Coordinate team-based resuscitation using clear roles, closed-loop communication, and effective leadership. • Make timely decisions about escalation of care and safe handoff to neonatal intensive care teams.