What is the minimum age to participate?

Participants must be at least 14 years old to enroll in the course.

Is prior first aid knowledge required?

No prior first aid experience is necessary; the course is designed for beginners through advanced users.

Will I receive certification after completing the course?

Yes, a two-year Wilderness First Aid certification and CPR certificate with AED use are awarded on successful completion.

What is the format of the course?

The course combines 8 hours of online study with an 8-hour in-person training session at the Virginia Outdoor Center.

Are meals included during the training?

No, lunch and snacks are not provided, so bring your own food and drinks.

Where is the training held?

The in-person session takes place at 3219 Fall Hill Ave, Fredericksburg, Virginia.

Master Wilderness First Aid and CPR in Fredericksburg's Outdoor Classroom

Situated in Fredericksburg, Virginia, the Hybrid Wilderness First Aid course with CPR offers a vital, immersive training experience for outdoor enthusiasts, group leaders, scouts, and anyone spending time in remote environments. This program bridges online learning with hands-on, in-person instruction, equipping participants with advanced emergency skills to manage medical crises where professional help may be hours or even days away. As Virginia continues to draw adventurers to its lush forests and rolling hills, this course stands out as an essential resource for anyone planning extended backcountry trips or leading outdoor groups.

Held at the Virginia Outdoor Center located at 3219 Fall Hill Ave, the course combines 8 hours of preparatory online modules with 8 hours of in-person training. This blended format ensures learners gain both theoretical knowledge and practical hands-on skills. Topics cover a wide spectrum of wilderness emergencies, including head, brain, neck, and spinal injuries, heat-related illnesses, hypothermia, altitude sickness, allergic reactions with anaphylaxis, burns, and fractures. The course also emphasizes primary and secondary patient assessments and wound care, following OSHA’s Best Practices for Workplace First Aid Training Programs and Scouting America’s Wilderness First Aid curriculum.

The course is designed for participants aged 14 and up and offers a two-year certification upon successful completion. A digital certificate is available, ensuring adventurers and leaders can showcase their readiness and certification credentials quickly. Among the benefits is training in Infant, Child, and Adult CPR with AED use, a crucial life-saving skill alongside wilderness medicine techniques.

Beyond the practical skills, the Virginia Outdoor Center, a trusted staple in Fredericksburg’s outdoor community, provides a welcoming environment that integrates classroom learning with real-world outdoor scenario drills. This blend makes the training not only effective but applicable to the specific hazards of the local environment. The course supports outdoor safety culture in the region and helps travelers prepare responsibly for the unpredictable realities of nature.

Participants should bring their own notebook, pen, weather-appropriate clothing for extended outdoor sessions, water, lunch, and snacks. The sessions start promptly at 8 a.m., so preparedness and punctuality are key. Not included in the registration fee is lunch.

Whether you are an outdoor guide, scout leader, or wilderness traveler, this hybrid course in Fredericksburg delivers essential skills that may one day save a life in the backcountry. Gaining these certifications could be the difference between life and death in rugged terrain, making it a standout opportunity in Virginia’s outdoor education offerings.

About Virginia Outdoor Center

Virginia Outdoor Center connects people with outdoor skills, guided river trips, certifications, and youth camps. The center offers training and experiences including Wilderness First Aid with CPR and AED certification, ACA Level 3 Instructor certification for kayak instructors, whitewater river trips, swift water rescue training, stand up paddleboard classes, guided flatwater paddles such as City Dock to Little Falls and Ely's Ford to Motts Run, rock climbing instruction at Prettymans, and multi-day Mountain Adventure School camps for youth. Courses range from four-hour introductions to multi-day certification workshops and five-day camps.

Instruction emphasizes safety, practical skills, and professional standards. Wilderness First Aid and CPR courses include a comprehensive textbook and certifications recognized for outdoor leaders. The ACA Instructor workshop prepares participants to teach flatwater, moving water, or whitewater techniques with teaching methods. Swift water and white water rescue courses blend classroom lessons with on-water scenarios to build competence in urgent settings.

Group and family river trips combine camping, fishing, and Class II+ rapids on scenic stretches ideal for beginners and paddlers alike. Stand up paddleboard classes introduce balance, stroke mechanics, and water awareness in a calm four-hour session. Rock climbing courses provide expert coaching and necessary gear for safe vertical progression. The retail store stocks VOC items and outdoor essentials for participants and visitors.

Safety protocols, experienced instructors, and clear eligibility requirements underpin every offering. The center serves teens and adults, with youth-specific programs for ages 9 to 12 and 13 to 15, fostering skills, independence, and lasting connection to nature.