Wilderness Advanced Life Support (WALS) is an advanced course that helps advanced care medical providers apply current medical knowledge and critical thinking for use in remote/resource challenged patient care settings.

This course is being done in collaboration with Mountain Med Consulting

Dates

February 18-21, 2027

Location

Barrier Lake Field Station in Kananaski, AB

Cost

There are three levels of registration

• Physician – $2,325
• PA, Resident, or NP – $2,175
• Paramedic or RN – $1,975

CAWM Members receive $100 off registration fees. Not a member? Join now for $60/year.

Registration includes:

• 4 nights of accommodation at Barrier Lake
• all food for the weekend
• the course itself
• the exam fee

Parking is available at Barrier Lake.

Curriculum

Curriculum evolves based on new scientific data, discussions, and new medical technology. Class involves lecture, discussion, case study review, patient assessment drills, and ALS skills labs. All content is reviewed, validated, and in keeping with sound scientific principles.

Requirements

Participants must be ALS-trained with current certification, i.e.: Paramedic or ALS-trained field provider, Registered Nurse, Advanced Practice Provider (NP or PA), or Physician (MD or DO). Others are admitted on a case-by-case basis.

Evaluation

This course is pass/fail. 100% attendance is mandatory. Evaluation is based on practical patient simulations, hands-on activities, and a written test. WMA International is committed to making reasonable accommodation for any student with special needs.

Course Objectives

• Understand the challenges and limitations of working in remote and low-resource patient care settings.
• Explain principles of preventive care for patients and team members when faced by environmental challenges.
• Perform an accurate patient assessment when access to advanced diagnostics are not available.
• Utilize useful medical and basic rescue equipment often available in remote and low-resource patient care settings.
• Through case studies and patient assessment drills, demonstrate decision making for treatments and evacuations in remote and low-resource patient care settings.
• Determine which medications and equipment might be useful and appropriate in remote and low-resource patient care settings.

The last day to receive a refund is January 28, 2027.