First Aid & Rescue

IWLS is dedicated to raising outdoor industry standards around the world and is continually doing so. The experience of our instructors and guides comes from decades of teaching rescue courses and leading expeditions around the globe. Despite all of the preparation, organization, and safety consciousness that go into a wilderness expedition, things can, and do, go awry. This demands that outdoor leaders and professionals have the skills to avoid and manage potential mishaps in a backcountry environment.

The International Wilderness Leadership School offers a full spectrum of rescue & first aid courses for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals. Whether embarking on whitewater adventures, skiing out of bounds at your favorite ski area, or climbing at your local crag, these courses not only give you the skills to deal with emergencies in a challenging environment, but they help develop a professional awareness of safety and good judgment in outdoor environments.

  • Students practice a group carry on a WFR course Students practice a group carry on a WFR course
  • High angle crevasse rescue High angle crevasse rescue
  • Prepping anchors for rope management Prepping anchors for rope management
  • Hands on field scenarios on a WEMT course Hands on field scenarios on a WEMT course
  • Kayak rescue drills on a 3-day kayak skills course Kayak rescue drills on a 3-day kayak skills course
  • Digging snow pit profiles on an avalanche course Digging snow pit profiles on an avalanche course
     

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*Starting from prices, per person, in USD

Swiftwater Rescue

Price: $600*

This 3-day course will prepare you for the multitude of rescue scenarios that you might need on the river! Tackle high-sides, strainers, swimmers, and flipped boats to prepare you for safe paddling adventures around the world.
  • Destination: Haines, AK
  • Activity: First Aid & Rescue
  • Difficulty: 3 out of 5
  • Duration: 3 days
  • Meeting Point: Haines, AK

High & Low Angle Rescue

Price: $1100*

These high- and low-angle rescue courses are comprehensive and hands-on ways to learn the skills to perform mid-air rescues in a variety of scenarios. Students learn to manage access, apply redundant systems, anchor building skills and other essential techniques for high and low angle rescues.
  • Destination: Haines, AK
  • Activity: First Aid & Rescue
  • Difficulty: 2 out of 5
  • Duration: 3 days
  • Meeting Point: Haines, AK

Avalanche Rescue

Price: $595*

As a stand-alone course, or combined with one of our ski or mountaineering courses, these Avalanche Safety and Rescue courses will hone your avalanche awareness, snowpack studies, rescue drills, and backcountry safety!
  • Destination: Haines, AK
  • Activity: First Aid & Rescue
  • Difficulty: 3 out of 5
  • Duration: 3 days
  • Meeting Point: Haines, AK

Wilderness First Responder

Price: $925*

Wilderness First Responder (WFR), is the standard in wilderness medicine for guides, outdoor educators, SAR team members, and anyone that works or plays in remote areas. Our Wilderness First Responder course draws on the experience of both professional wilderness leaders and professional EMS practitioners for a comprehensive curriculum that teaches students to give solid emergency care in isolated locations.
  • Destination: Haines, AK
  • Activity: First Aid & Rescue
  • Difficulty: 2 out of 5
  • Duration: 10 days
  • Meeting Point: Haines, AK

Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician

Price: $3525*

Develop professional critical lifesaving techniques - for both the urban and wilderness environment
  • Destination: Haines, AK
  • Activity: First Aid & Rescue
  • Difficulty: 2 out of 5
  • Duration: 28 days
  • Meeting Point: Haines, AK

*Starting from prices, per person, in USD