NWTA Hosts Backcountry First Aid Training to Prepare Trail Leaders for Emergencies

Northwest Trail Alliance recently hosted a Backcountry First Aid training designed specifically for those leading and supporting trail work in the field. This training brought together NWTA Staff, Board Members, Local Stewardship Team (LST) members, Crew Leaders, Sawyers, aspiring Sawyers, and leadership from NW Trail Sisters- all individuals who play a critical role in stewarding our trails and communities.

This training was made possible through a strong partnership with the Oregon Trails Coalition and Clackamas Community College, with funding support from the Bureau of Land Management and the United States Forest Service. These collaborations are essential in helping NWTA continue to invest in volunteer education, safety, and leadership development.

Training Designed for the Realities of the Backcountry

Unlike standard workplace first aid and CPR courses, this training was built specifically for those who work and recreate in remote environments. Participants completed a blended learning format that included:

• 4–12 hours of self-directed online coursework
• 6 hours of in-person skills instruction and verification
• 10–18 hours of total training

This course bridges the gap between basic first aid and more advanced wilderness medicine training by focusing on the unique challenges faced in the backcountry- where access to emergency services may be delayed, and improvisation is often required.

“The Backcountry First Aid Training opened my eyes to just how much can go wrong in the backcountry, while at the same time providing me with the tools and knowledge that will help me and the folks around me get the help they need to get home in one piece.” -Paul Hobson, LST Cascade Locks

Hands-On, Scenario-Based Learning

The in-person portion emphasized practical, real-world application. Participants practiced:

• CPR and AED use (with certification)
• Responding to scenario-based backcountry emergencies
• Wound care and packing
• Stabilizing fractures
• Using slings, tourniquets & splints
• Assessing patients in remote settings
• Building and adapting first aid kits
• Improvising with limited resources

These hands-on exercises are critical for building confidence and competence when it matters most.

Why This Matters

NWTA volunteers are often leading groups in remote forest environments- places where medical emergencies can and do happen, whether during trail work, riding, or general recreation. Equipping our leaders with these skills is a direct investment in the safety of our entire community.

By increasing knowledge, preparedness, and confidence in emergency response, we are creating safer environments for volunteers, trail users, and the broader outdoor community.

Investing in People, Strengthening Stewardship

This training reflects NWTA’s commitment to not only building and maintaining trails, but also developing strong, capable leaders. When our volunteers are prepared to respond to unexpected situations, everyone benefits.

“It was fantastic to see so many members from the NWTA community show up to improve their first aid skills. Whether on a dig day, riding with our youth programs, or just out and about in the community, the volunteer leaders that attended are now better equipped to help out in the event of an emergency.” – Eric Oliver, Youth and Recreation Programs Manager, NWTA

“Many thanks to the instructors and NWTA representatives who made the Backcountry First Aid and CPR class available and accessible to NWTA leadership and crew leaders.  The class was really informative and valuable, and the fact that there were so many folks from NWTA in the class gave me comfort that our volunteer crew leaders will have the capacity to handle an emergency situation during a Dig Day, or while riding with friends and family.  Having more CPR and First Aid-trained people on NWTA trails is always a good thing.  It was also a great opportunity to bond with and get to know NWTA staff, leadership, and volunteers.  Thanks again for organizing this event!” -Jay Fields, NWTA Board Member

Thank you to all who participated and to our partners who made this training possible. Together, we are building a culture of safety, stewardship, and resilience on the trails.