The AWLS® course curriculum attempts to strike a balance between didactic lectures and hands-on instruction to most effectively train students in managing medical situations.

Approximately half of the curriculum is delivered in hands on teaching sessions in small groups. Students will learn practical techniques and practice them in mock scenarios.

Some courses offer optional workshops, related to specific activities, providing students the opportunity to learn skills for treating injuries more common to those activities. Dependent upon the course location and timing, activities may include hiking, biking, rafting, climbing, skiing, snowmobiling, snow shoeing, scuba diving and/or snorkeling.

In preparation for the course each student may download a .pdf version of the AWLS® textbook* for review and study. A printed version of the text and field guide will be distributed at the course upon request.

*AWLS is a copyrighted document and cannot be reproduced without the express written permission of AdventureMed. The password you were provided to download a digital copy of the AWLS textbook allows for printing one copy of the document for use by the student registered to attend the AWLS course.

Requirements for certification are established by the governing committee of the Wilderness Life Support Institute, a non profit entity with the mission of advancing the science of wilderness medicine. These requirements include:

1. Completion of the AWLS course lectures
2. Completion of the AWLS Hands on teaching
3. Completion of the practical proficiency scenarios
4. Demonstration of competency through written examination