Our Courses


WAFA Abisko, Sweden 2025
26-31 MAY, 2025 AT STF ABISKO TURISTSTATION, SWEDEN
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:
08:00 – 17:30+ each day.
Exceptions: There will be an additional night session on one day starting at 19:00 and ending late. We will conclude at around 12:00 on the last day.
LOCATION:
Svenska Turistföreningen (STF) Abisko Turiststation, 981 07 Abisko, Sweden
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950 USD (911.92 EUR) per person (VAT excluded).
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 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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If a student cancels or withdraws from a course:
Greater than or equal to 30 days prior to the course starting date, Crossing Latitudes will retain an administrative fee equal to 25% of the course fee.
Within 30 days of the course start date, Crossing Latitudes will retain an administrative fee equal to 50% of the course fee.
Once the course has begun, there will be no refund
If Crossing Latitudes or NOLS Wilderness Medicine must cancel the course, you will receive a full refund.
We highly recommend that you protect yourself by buying travel insurance. Crossing Latitudes or NOLS Wilderness Medicine are not responsible for any expenses other than the course fee in case of cancellation or withdrawal.
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Lodging is not included in your course fee. We recommend that you book a bed at STF Abisko Turiststation hostel or a room in their hotel (this is also where our classroom is located). You can also book a cabin (4-6 beds) at the STF Abisko Turiststation. Let us know if you are interested in sharing a cabin and we can connect you with others who are interested. You can find more information about lodging at https://www.swedishtouristassociation.com/facilities/stf-abisko-turiststation/
STF Abisko Turiststation, is the STF’s northernmost station and is situated in Abisko National Park, 250 km north of the Arctic Circle. The resort is surrounded by Lapporten’s (The Lapponian Gate’s) characteristic U-shaped silhouette, the Abisko Mountain Range with Mount Nuolja and Torneträsk Lake.
There are other B&B’s and guesthouses in the community of Abisko that you are welcome to stay at.
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Meals are not included in your course fee. STF Abisko Turiststation has a restaurant named Kungsleden which serves a buffet breakfast, fika, lunch, and dinner. They recommend that you pre-order your meals. Their hours vary by season. There is also a fully equipped kitchen for self-catering. The kitchen is shared with other guests.
Abisko
Visitors from all over the world come to Abisko to experience Arctic Sweden, the mountains and iconic places such as Kungsleden, Lapporten, STF Aurora Sky Station, Torneträsk, Mount Nuolja and Abisko National Park. One can enjoy a wide variety of activities such as hiking, mountain biking, skiing, snowmobiling, dog sledding and more!
Find out more about Abisko and activities you can enjoy at these websites:
https://www.swedishtouristassociation.com/facilities/stf-abisko-turiststation/
STF Abisko Turiststation is situated in the northern part of Abisko National Park, about 100 km from Kiruna, Sweden and 80 km from Narvik, Norway.
ABISKO GPS-coordinates N68.358392026314°, E18.783634440475°
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By road from Kiruna: take the E10 road towards Narvik for 100 km. Drive through Abisko village and after 2 km turn right at the sign “Abisko Turiststation”.
By road from Norway, Narvik: take the E10 road towards Luleå. Cross the Norwegian – Swedish border and continue for about 40 km, then turn left at the sign “Abisko Turiststation”.
Rental car companies in Kiruna, Sweden and Narvik/ Harstad, Norway include www.avis.se, www.budget.se, www.europcar.se, www.hertz.se, www.sixt.se.
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By Swedish rail, take VY which stops daily at "Abisko Turiststation". The train station, which has no staff onsite, is close to STF Abisko Mountain Station, a 5 minute walking distance to reception. For timetables and prices visit https://www.vy.se/en
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The closest airports are Kiruna (Sweden) and Narvik - Evenes (Norway). Flights are operated by SAS www.sas.se and Norwegian www.norwegian.se
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Transfer from/to Kiruna, Sweden Airport:
Visit Abisko
www.visitabisko.com
Phone: +46 980 40037Regular bus service:
Route 91, Länstrafiken i Norrbotten
www.ltnbd.se
Phone: +46 771 100 110Taxi Kiruna
www.taxikiruna.se
Phone: +46 980 12020Transfer from/to Evenes Airport (Narvik), Norway:
Airport coach:
Evenes - Narvik bus station
www.flybussen.no/en/Narvik.Onward to/from Abisko:
Visit Abisko www.visitabisko.com
Phone: +46 980 40037By train, SJ
www.sj.se
Phone: +46 771 757 575Regular bus service:
Route 91, Länstrafiken i Norrbotten
www.ltnbd.se
Phone: +46 771 100 110Narvik Taxi
www.narviktaxi.no
Phone:+47 075 50
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! The weather in Abisko, north of the Arctic Circle can be extreme and changeable in the spring. We will be outside each day even if it rains, snows or storms. Having quality clothing and equipment is important. 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
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
Quick drying outdoors pants and tops
Casual clothing for the evenings
Windproof jacket and trousers
Warm socks
Regular socks
Winter shoes/boots
Indoor shoes
Hat, gloves, mittens, neck warmer/scarf
Balaclava, facemask, goggles
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 Cirriculum
08:00 – 17:30+ each day
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.
Register for this Course






WFR-R Värmdö, Sweden 2025
31 October - 2 November, 2025 IN VärmDÖ, Sweden
Wilderness First Responder - Recertification (WFR-R)
HOSTED BY CROSSING LATITUDES
Are your wilderness medicine protocols on the tip of your tongue or buried in the bottom of your pack? Led by dynamic and experienced instructors, this immersive 3-day course will update you on the latest wilderness medicine techniques and protocols. Through focused scenarios, you’ll identify any gaps in your knowledge and refine your skills, while engaging in discussions and case-studies deepen your understanding. You'll also have opportunities to ask questions based on your real-life experiences. Whether you're revisiting core concepts or pushing your capabilities to new levels, this course will empower you to respond effectively when it matters most. CPR is included.
DATES:
31 October - 2 November 2025
Course hours:
09:00 – 18:00 Friday, 31 October;
08:00 – 18:00 Saturday & Sunday, 1 – 2 November
LOCATION:
Skatboet, Korpholmsvägen 18, 139 36 Värmdö, Stockholm
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This course is conducted in English. Our NOLS wilderness medicine instructors teach all over the world and are often bilingual. They will endeavour to support you however they can.
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EUR 640 per person (VAT exempt). The tuition covers the NOLS Wilderness Medicine Medical Handbook, the NOLS Wilderness Medicine textbook, a bandana with the patient assessment, equipment used during the course, CPR certification and NOLS Wilderness Medicine international WFR and Epinephrine autoinjector certification.
The course fee includes 4 nights of lodging in shared cabins (2-3 people per cabin). Note that no discount can be given if you choose a different accommodation.
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This course is structured around scenario-based learning and review, as well as practical skills sessions and case study discussions. You are required to complete both written and practical exams to successfully recertify on this course. The course begins with a written multiple-choice test. To achieve a passing score (70%) on the written multiple-choice exam, you must review previous course materials. Please come prepared!
Check the following web page for information and resources on how to best prepare for your course:
https://nols.edu/en/resources/wilderness-medicine-resources/
All participants will 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.
-
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 and send it in. We have physical forms you can sign at the course start.
All students are required to submit a photocopy of their WAFA or WFR certification card by the first day of the course. This course is open to WAFAs and WFRs from any organisation where a WAFA was at least 40 hours and a WFR was at least 70 hours. It is your responsibility to make sure your WAFA/ WFR certification meets this standard. If you are unsure, please contact NOLS Wilderness Medicine before enrolling in a course and review the recertification portion of our website: https://www.nols.edu/en/courses/wilderness-medicine/recertify/
If you hold a current WFR certification from any other wilderness medicine organisation with less than a 70-hour certification, you will receive a letter of course completion in lieu of a NOLS Wilderness Medicine WFR certification. This letter of completion may allow you to recertify with your original certifying organization. You must contact that organisation prior to your NOLS Wilderness Medicine course to ensure that our course will meet their requirements for recertification.
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If a student cancels or withdraws from a course:
Greater than or equal to 30 days prior to the course starting date, Crossing Latitudes will retain an administrative fee of EUR 150
Within 30 days of the course start date: Crossing Latitudes will retain an administrative fee of EUR 330.
Once the course has begun, there will be no refund
If Crossing Latitudes or NOLS Wilderness Medicine must cancel the course, you will receive a full refund.
We highly recommend that you protect yourself by buying travel insurance. Crossing Latitudes or NOLS Wilderness Medicine are not responsible for any expenses other than the course fee in case of cancellation or withdrawal.
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Lodging is included in the course fee from Thursday 30 October (after 16:00), to Monday morning (4 nights). The cabins have 4 bunkbeds, but we try to only have 2 to 3 people per cabin. You need to bring your own sheets, pillowcase and towel. Bathrooms and showers are in the main building (1-2 minutes away).
Booking a solo room is not possible, however you are welcome to sleep in your van or bring a tent and camp out. Note that the course fee will remain the same.
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A simple breakfast, lunch, dinner and fika are included in the course fee beginning with breakfast on Friday, 31 October till breakfast on Monday, 3 November. It is important to let us know of any food allergies or restrictions prior to the course start.
Skatboet has a small kitchen with two stoves, refrigerators, freezer, a microwave, water boiler and coffee machines. The kitchen has pots and pans, plates, bowls, mugs and all utensils.
Skatboet Värmdö
Skatboet (the Magpie’s nest) is located on the island of Värmdö, Stockholm, Sweden. It belongs to the Stockholm Scouts. This link shows photos of the buildings and surroundings: https://skatboetvarmdo.se/bildgalleri/
Skatboet is owned by the Swedish Scouts, and therefore an alcohol-, drug- and smoke-free place. Please respect this and do not bring alcohol or any other recreational drugs.
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You can either drive to Skatboet on the island of Värmdö or take a bus from Stockholm. The bus takes about 30 minutes, then you must walk for 10-12 minutes to reach the destination. The address is: Skatboet, Korpholmsvägen 18, 139 36 Värmdö, Sweden.
You can check the bus schedule here: http://sl.se/en/ Your starting point is 'Slussen' (Stockholm) and your destination 'Älgstigen' (Värmdö). Walk in the same direction as the bus continues, there is a sidewalk along the road. After about 2 minutes’ walk, a dirt road starts on your right. This road is called 'Korpholmsvägen'. Follow it for another 10 minutes past several homes. Follow to the left uphill at the fork (still called 'Korpholmsvägen'), pass 'Korpstigen' to your right, and continue ahead past houses and through woods until arriving at Skatboet.
If you drive, you can pass the gate, past garbage cans, and park at the very end of the road – right below the “Skatboet”.
The Course
The WFR-R is an immersive 3-day scenario-based course aimed at updating students on the latest wilderness medicine techniques and protocols. During this course students will practice skills, while reviewing evacuation and decision-making principles. The use of case studies, discussions, and scenarios with added complexity deepens understanding and provides challenges in controlled settings, allowing students to build resilience and confidence.
This course is the most popular recertification program in Wilderness Medicine and is ideal for current Wilderness First Responders and Wilderness EMTs. The WFR- Recertification course is pre-approved for 18 hours of EMT CEUs by CECBEMS.
Whether revisiting core concepts or pushing your capabilities to new levels, this course will empower you to respond effectively when it matters most. CPR is included.

You will be required to complete both WRITTEN & PRACTICAL TESTING to recertify.
The written exam will be conducted at the BEGINNING of the course.
Check the following web page for information and resources on how to best prepare for your course. Please study and watch some of the Patient Assessment videos on the links below.
-
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 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.
-
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.
-
NOLS Wilderness Medicine will bring medical equipment and outdoor gear for setting up realistic scenarios.
Expect the best but be prepared for the worst! We will be outside each day even if it rains, snows or storms. Having quality clothing and equipment is important. 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
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
Quick drying outdoors pants and tops
Casual clothing for the evenings
Waterproof jacket and trousers
Warm socks
Regular socks
Outdoor shoes/boots
Indoor shoes
Hat, gloves, mittens, neck warmer/scarf
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)
-
NOLS Wilderness Medicine is proud to be a Continuing Education Coordinating Board for Emergency Medical Services (CECBEMS) accredited organization. Current EMTs are eligible to receive 18 hours CEU hours for their NOLS Wilderness Medicine WFR Recert course. Please bring a photocopy of your current EMT card(s) with you to your course.
Course Cirriculum
08:00 – 17:30 each day
Communicable Disease & Infection Control
Patient Assessment System
Emergency and Evacuation Plans, and Documentation
Spine & Spinal Cord Injuries
Head Injuries
Chest & Lung Injuries
Medical Shock
Wilderness Wound Management
Athletic injuries, Fractures, & Dislocations
Environmental Illnesses and Injuries
Hypothermia & Local Cold Injuries
The Medical Patient: Diabetes, Asthma, Neurological Concerns, Cardiac Conditions, Respiratory Concerns, Acute Abdominal Pain, Urinary Reproductive Concerns, etc.
Mental Health Emergencies & Stress First Aid
Allergies & Anaphylaxis
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
download course information
We hope this information is helpful.
For specific questions about NOLS Wilderness Medicine or our curriculum please contact Crossing Latitudes 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. There is no need to sign it and send it in. We have forms you can sign at the course start.