First Aid Courses

Proper first aid trianing is a critical component of any backcountry traveler’s skillset.  HBC is proud to offer two different first aid courses in Niseko , Wilderness First Responder and Wilderness First Aid

Wilderness First Responder (82 Hour Course: Includes CPR)

If you work or recreate in the outdoors where access to medical care is delayed or communication is unreliable, this 10 day Wilderness First Responder course is a must. The industry standard for professional guides, trip leaders, search and rescue team members, outdoor recreationalists, and international travelers. The curriculum is comprehensive and practical.

This course is designed for wilderness trip leaders and guides, professional rescuers, workplace response teams, and people planning extensive wilderness expeditions.

This is a pass/fail certification and not just a class where skills are lectured.

Upon completion, you will be able to conduct a thorough physical exam, obtain a patient history, assess vital signs, provide emergency care in the wilderness, and make crucial evacuation decisions.

A combination of classroom sessions and outdoor scenarios will hone your skills and introduce critical decision making skills into the variable environment of the outdoors. Expect to spend time outside every day, regardless of the weather conditions.

Course Dates: TBA

Course Location: Niseko

Price Per Person: 110,000yen (10% discount for locals) 

Course Content Includes:

  • The principles of Wilderness Medicine with an emphasis on both medical and trauma assessment, the identification of medical emergencies, appropriate technology, and risk management.
  • Patient assessment and emergency care including CPR, basic Life support, and the emergency treatment of anaphylaxis and asthma.
  • Environmental Challenges including altitude, hypothermia and heat illness, frostbite and cold injury, lightning, submersion, and environmental toxins.
  • Assessment of Medical Issues including the assessment and treatment of common medical problems.
  • Assessment of Trauma and Injury, including unstable and stable injuries, overuse problems, and dislocations.
  • Wound management including open fractures, lacerations, burns and blisters.
  • Hands-on skills including bandaging, splinting, patient packaging, and med kit preparation.

Performance Evaluation:

  • Written Exam Required (80% or better)
  • Can reasonably perform skills/scenarios without any assistance

Student‐to‐Equipment Ratio:

  • 2:1 for CPR maniquins.
  • Students should be encouraged to bring outdoor equipment they would have on trips to improvise splints.
  • Maximum Student‐to‐ Instructor 8:1

Certification Period: Up to 3 years

Recommended Renewal: Every 3yrs (30 -40 hours)

Wilderness First Aid (24 Hour Course: Includes CPR)

This course is designed for wilderness trip leaders, guides, and people who participate in short wilderness trips.

A good first step for seasonal outdoor staff and those involved in recreational wilderness trips. The course content meets the anticipated medical needs of those communities.

Provides realistic first-aid training for seasonal outdoor activities or short term wilderness endeavors and pursuits. Wilderness First Aid is a three-day introduction to general medical concepts and basic life support skills. It is targeted to the outdoor enthusiast on day trips or short adventures. The course is taught by professional instructors with significant patient care and backcountry experience. Given the short duration of this course, emphasis is placed on hands-on activities, including Patient Assessment drills as a major learning tool as opposed to long lectures.

Course Dates: TBA

Course Location:  Niseko

Price Per Person: 35,000 yen (5000yen discount for locals)  

Course Content Includes:

  • Patient Assessment; CPR; Circulatory System; Nervous System; Respiratory System; Fractures, Stable Injuries; Splints; Heat and Cold Challenges; Near Drowning; Wounds and Burns; Anaphylaxis; Lifting & Moving Patients; Medical Emergency

Performance Evaluation:

  • Can reasonably perform skills/scenarios without any assistance

Student‐to‐Equipment Ratio:

  • 2:1 for CPR maniquins.
  • Students should be encouraged to bring outdoor equipment they would have on trips to improvise splints.
  • Maximum Student‐to‐ Instructor 8:1

Certification Period: Up to 3 years

Recommended Renewal: Every 3yrs (8 -10 hours)

Materials: Wilderness Emergency Care Book