Welcome to Basic Wilderness Life Support - BWLS. This is a certification course of study on wilderness medicine for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. You can study each module for free. As well, there are free practice exams, free Podcasts, and PPTs to enhance your learning. If you choose to take the certification exam, the fee is $30 (which includes CE credits).
When you register, you will be given the password to take the BWLS certification exam.
1. What to Study
Module 1 - Treating Outdoor Injuries
SUBJECTS
Caring for an Injured Patient
How to Treat Wounds
Injured and Painful Teeth
Module 2 - Medicine in Outdoor Sports
SUBJECTS
Biking
Climbing
Hiking and Backpacking
Skiing and Snowboarding
Water Sports
Module 3 - Weather Risks in the Outdoors
SUBJECTS
Lightning
Avalanche
Flash Floods
Heat Illnesses
Cold Illnesses
Module 4 - Other Risks and Problems
SUBJECTS
Risks of Altitude
Treating Water
Skin Problems
Bite and Stings
Module 5 - Planning for the Outdoors
SUBJECTS
Eating Right
Assembling a First Aid Kit
2. How to Study
This is the textbook for the BWLS certification course. It is free and updated frequently. You can read it or use it as a reference manual.
Step 2. Practice Tests
Most students use these to study. Take a practice test on a subject you are not familiar with, or take them all. The BWLS certification questions will come from the practice tests. These practice test questions come with answers and explanations.
Step 3. Podcasts
The BWLS podcasts are a great way to learn They are found on all podcast services. They are short and to the point. Search for BWLS or Basic Wilderness Life Support. Look for the icon on the right at the top of the page.
Step 4: Other Methods
There are Powerpoint lectures in case you learn better that way. Click the icon to the right.
3. Take the BWLS Certification Exam
Are you ready to pass your certification exam? If so, click the link to the upper right that says “CERTIFICATION EXAMINATIONS” to take the exam. You are provided with a password when you register. Questions about the exam are answered on the landing page. The questions are timed and must be done in one sitting, and you only get one chance. A certificate will be awarded at the end of the examination. Very good luck!