1 - 6 December, 2026 AT Aldeia da Praia, Sintra, Portugal
Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA) Course
(can be used as recertification of a WFR)
HOSTED BY CROSSING LATITUDES
Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA) courses are designed for trip leaders and those travelling or working in remote areas and who want a more extensive training program than the Wilderness First Aid course. Fast paced and hands-on, this course covers a wide range of wilderness medicine topics including stabilisation, treatment, and evacuation guidelines for patients in backcountry environments. The emphasis is placed on long- term patient care, management and specific injury evaluation. Whether spending time in the backcountry is your passion or your profession, you should never have to ask, "What do I do now?"
CPR is included. Everyone is welcome, no previous experience required.
DATES:
1 - 6 December 2026
08:00 - 18:30 each day
Final day will conclude around 12:00.
There will be an additional night session on one day starting at 19:00 and ending late
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840 EUR (VAT inclusive)
The course fee includes a 30-page NOLS Wilderness Medicine handout, a bandana with the patient assessment, equipment used during the course, CPR certification, the internationally recognised NOLS Wilderness Medicine WFA certification and Epinephrine auto-injector certification.
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This course is taught in English.
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This course combines theoretical lectures with hands-on sessions to train practical skills. Each day is a mix of classroom, skills sessions, scenarios, and case studies. There is both a written & practical exam at the end of the course.
All participants will be learn by taking turns being “patients” and “rescuers” each day. We use fake blood to make the scenarios more realistic. The fake blood is washable, but you might have to wash twice.
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Please register by selecting the “Register for this course button”. Full payment is needed to confirm your reservation for the course. You may select your preferred payment method (bank transfer or credit card) on our registration form. Kindly read our cancellation policies below before you sign up. Once we have received your course fee we will email you a receipt and a course confirmation.
Do read the Student Agreement before signing up: http://www.nols.edu/en/filer/public/1481655159/906/
*There is no need to sign it and send this document in. We have physical forms you can sign at the course start.
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This course is hosted by Nomad and will follow their cancellation policy.
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Accommodation and meals are not included in your course fee.
The hostel at Aldeia da Praia (https://www.aldeiadapraia.pt/directions-contact?lang=pt) has both bunk rooms and private rooms. On site there is also a small supermarket and 3 restaurants.
Outside the camp there are several options for dinning and groceries within walking distance. There are other accommodation possibilities nearby including AirBnB options.
Sintra
Sintra is one of Portugal’s most captivating tourism destinations. It is known for its romantic architecture, misty hills, and UNESCO-listed cultural landscape. Visitors come to explore the colourful Pena Palace, wander through the mystical gardens of Quinta da Regaleira, and enjoy the panoramic views from the ancient Castle of the Moors. Beyond its historic landmarks, Sintra offers charming streets, traditional Portuguese cuisine, nearby Atlantic beaches, and a peaceful natural setting that makes it an unforgettable destination for culture, nature, and relaxation.
Praia das Maçãs is a charming seaside destination on Portugal’s Atlantic coast, loved for its relaxed atmosphere, scenic ocean views, and family-friendly beach. Visitors can enjoy golden sands, fresh seafood restaurants, and beautiful coastal walks while experiencing the authentic character of a traditional Portuguese beach town. The area is also known for its historic tram connection to Sintra, offering a picturesque journey through the countryside.
With its combination of natural beauty, surf-friendly waves, and peaceful coastal charm, Praia das Maçãs is a popular escape for both tourists and locals seeking relaxation by the sea.
Aldeia de Praia
Aldeia de Praia is a village collective, inspired by locals and their commitment to craft. This village blends a rich cultural experience with sustainability. Explore the grounds and discover families and guests sharing in activities, nightlife, Portuguese delicacies, as well as access to modern conveniences on one property.
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When coming from Sintra, take a right in Colares, heading towards Praia das Maçãs for 2km. Go straight on the round-about (first exit) and after 200m you find our Aldeia da Praia to your right.
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If you take the bus from Sintra Portela station, catch the 1254 (direction Magoito) and get off at the roundabout where Telepizza is. The stop is called Ponte de Rodizio. Aldeia de Praia is just in front of the stop.
Alternately you can take the 1250 (direction Praia Grande) and walk 5min down the hill.
Or you could take the 1248 bus (direction Praia das Maçãs) and walk about 5 min to Aldeia da Praia.
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From the Lisbon airport take the metro 3 stops to Oriente train station and from there catch the train to Sintra Portela.
From there take the 1254 bus as indicated above.
The antique tram (the eléctrico) that brings you right to the center of Sintra is only available in summer.
WAFA Course Description
If you travel or work in remote areas and need more extensive training than a Wilderness First Aid course, our Wilderness Advanced First Aid course is the perfect choice! Build confidence to make the right medical interventions and assessments for your clients, friends, or family and receive an up-to-date medical curriculum which includes a range of assessment, trauma, environmental and medical topics, all delivered in an intensive and hands-on format.
You will learn to stabilize, treat, and make evacuation decisions for patients in backcountry environments, with an emphasis on long term patient care management and specific injury evaluation. In addition to plenty of time practicing skills and engaging in scenarios, you will work in small teams and practice leadership skills.
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Dynamic instructors with lots of backcountry and first aid experience
Lots of time outside with realistic scenarios
Daily feedback from our instructors
Intense AND rewarding days
A written and a practical exam at the end of the course that we will do everything we can to help you develop the skills to perform well. You need to pass both the written and the practical tests to receive NOLS Wilderness Medicine international WFR certification.
A curriculum that is evidence-based, not just copied out of a textbook. We teach wilderness medicine practices and protocols that are supported by a physician-based medical advisory panel and disseminated by our curriculum director. This means you're getting the latest findings and protocols in the industry.
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That you are on time each day
Come prepared each morning, ready to learn and participate. Revision and practice in the evenings will set you up for success.
We hope that you will speak up when you need help, do not understand, or have any concerns.
Be respectful of other participants and our staff – both in the classroom and during our scenarios outside. We do not accept any kind of harassment.
We ask that all participants’ cell phones and computers will be turned off during class time.
Smoking, alcohol and/or recreational drugs are not allowed during the course hours.
Pets are not allowed at the classroom or scenario sites during course hours. Any student bringing pets to class will be asked to leave class until the pet is safely situated in a kennel or other facility – unless it is a service dog. If you have a service dog, please email us before signing up.
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NOLS Wilderness Medicine will bring medical equipment and outdoor gear for setting up realistic scenarios.
Expect the best but be prepared for the worst! Come to class each morning prepared to be both inside and outside. You need a medium sized backpack for your personal extra clothing and the First Aid gear that we will provide each day. Your backpack will be used every day in the scenarios.
Packing for class (in your backpack):
Waterproof jacket and trousers
Extra wool or synthetic socks
Hat, gloves, mittens, neck warmer, buff or scarf (as appropriate)
Headlamp with extra batteries
Sunglasses, Water bottle
Protective eyewear (sunglasses and /or clear glasses)
Indoor shoes or sandals
Note pad, pens, or pencils, Water bottle, Tea/coffee mug.
Suggested Equipment List:
Underwear
Synthetic or wool tops and bottoms
Warm sweaters or fleece jackets (as appropriate)
Quick drying outdoors pants and tops
Casual clothing for the evenings
Windproof jacket and trousers
Warm socks
Regular socks
Outdoor shoes/boots
Indoor shoes
Hat, gloves, mittens, neck warmer/scarf (as appropriate)
Exercise clothing (if you want to exercise)
Headlamp with extra batteries
Note pad and pens
Sunglasses, water bottle, mug, toiletries
Adaptor(s) for your electronics (if needed)
Course Curriculum
Communicable Disease & Infection Control
Medicine in the Wilderness Context
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Initial Assessment
Physical Examination (Head to Toe Examination)
Vital Signs
Medical History (SAMPLE)
Emergency and Evacuation Plans, and Documentation
Spine & Spinal Cord Injuries
Spine Injury Assessment & Management: Lifting & Moving
Spinal Protection, Packaging, Transport, & Extended Care
Head Injuries
Chest & Lung Injuries
Medical Shock
Wilderness Wound Management
Burns, Infections
Athletic injuries, Fractures, & Dislocations
Pain Management
Psychological First Aid
Altitude Illness
Toxicology: Bites & Stings
Lightning
Hypothermia & Local Cold Injuries
The Medical Patient: Diabetes, Asthma, Neurological Concerns, Cardiac Conditions, Respiratory Concerns, Acute Abdominal Pain, etc.
Urinary Reproductive Concerns
Mental Health Emergencies & Stress First Aid
Allergies & Anaphylaxis
Download course information
We hope this information is helpful.
For questions about this NOLS Wilderness Medicine WFR course or our curriculum please contact Crossing Latitudes at info@crossinglatitudes.com
NOLS Wilderness Medicine web: https://nols.edu/en/courses/wilderness-medicine/
IMPORTANT STUDENT AGREEMENT TO READ
Please read the Student Agreement before signing up. http://www.nols.edu/en/filer/public/1481655159/906/ There is no need to sign it and send it in. We have forms you can sign at the course start.