Tillamook Coast Visitors Association (TCVA) partners with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) to bring high-quality Wilderness First Aid (WFA) training directly to our local tourism community. As outdoor recreation continues to grow on the Tillamook Coast, this partnership helps ensure that guides, outfitters, educators, and frontline hospitality staff have the skills they need to respond confidently in remote or challenging environments.
Why Wilderness First Aid Matters
Much of our region’s recreation—from hiking and paddling to beach exploration—takes place far from immediate medical care. Wilderness First Aid equips local staff and volunteers with practical skills to manage medical situations until professional help arrives, helping keep visitors and community members safer.
What the NOLS Partnership Provides
Through TCVA’s collaboration with NOLS, local organizations can access:
- Professional Wilderness First Aid Courses
Hands-on, scenario-based training taught by certified NOLS instructors. - Free, locally hosted classes
TCVA coordinates and funds course logistics and helps bring training opportunities directly to Tillamook County. - Skills relevant to the Tillamook Coast
Topics include patient assessment, wound care, extremity injuries, environmental emergencies, and decision-making in the outdoors. - Certification recognized nationwide
Participants receive a two-year NOLS Wilderness First Aid certification upon completion.
Who Can Benefit
This training is ideal for:
- Outdoor guides and outfitters
- Parks, recreation, and land-management staff
- Camp leaders and volunteers
- Educators and youth program coordinators
- Hospitality staff who interact with adventure-minded visitors
- Community organizations involved in coastal stewardship
“This was an excellent wilderness medicine class and there were 15 participants!! Thank you to our instructor, Peter, who is based at Fort Collins Colorado and thank you Tillamook Coast Visitors Association for making this offering available!!! We are truly grateful!!”
— , RN, Nehalem Bay Medical Reserve Corps (NBMRC) Coordinator
Strengthening Safety and Preparedness Across the Region
By partnering with NOLS to offer Wilderness First Aid courses, TCVA supports a safer, more resilient recreation environment on the Tillamook Coast. This investment strengthens our local workforce, enhances visitor confidence, and ensures our region is prepared to respond to emergencies outdoors.
