Back40 Wilderness First Aid Training

02/11/2026

Tell me again how cushy classroom courses really prepare your crew for their workplace risks….?

Staying in a freezing puddle of slushy water sure won’t help their problems.

Train where it’s real. Train like it’s real.

There is not a single indoor course that will genuinely prepare your crew to be confident in their first aid in these conditions. Yet they work day in and day out in real environments a classroom could never replicate. Glazing over theory does not foster confidence in skill, decision making, and problem solving. SCENARIOS they can relate to, in environments that they work in is where the real empowerment comes from!

There is zero boredom on days like today. Your crew WANTS the challenge. They are tired of “death by PowerPoint”. They know your generic, safe, unrelatable textbook answers don’t seem to fit the narrative in their emergencies. They want to train. They thrive in scenarios where they can relate to the complexities and messiness that is their every day work life.

This is like recess for adults and it is the highlight of my day to take them out to play!

Their training matters.

02/01/2026

Proud to be a part of this team!

If there is any one group of people who I have had the privilege of training (and training within!) - this team is the absolute most dedicated to training like it’s real. A lot of who I have become as an Instructor has been influenced by the people on this team. They have zero limitations when it comes to training scenarios! Weather - the worse the better. Patient profiles - there is nothing off limits or taboo. “I’d do it if it was real” is NOT in their vocabulary. And every single one of them thrive in being the patient so they can gain insight.

While our call volume is low being on an urban / prairie team…..this team is ready 24/7/365. And training is non-stop - in all things and all ways. Because our readiness matters!

Another great representation of this team - thank you Rogers TV.

For members of Saskatoon Search and Rescue (SSAR), teamwork is at the heart of the volunteer organization where all members share a common desire to support ...

01/30/2026

SPRING 2026 - TRIP WISE & TRAIL READY

-- Are you dreaming of summer adventures?
-- Are you craving connection with other adults who enjoy being outdoors?
-- Are you honestly confident in your preparedness for outdoor mishaps and unexpected delays?
-- Do you want to learn new skills and build on your current experiences?

Trip Wise & Trail Ready is the HEART of what I always wanted Back40 to be.
💚 A space for people who want to learn, practice skills, and inspire each other to get outdoors with confidence in their skills and independence.
💚 A learning space to allow experimentation, play, and critical thinking in basic outdoor skills that matter.
💚 A place where having a critical conversation around backcountry mishaps inspire us all to prepare more for the "what-if".
💚 A place where women can gather together, learn without judgement, practice skills with intent and silliness, and joyfully enjoy their time together!

We will explore the natural spaces in/near Saskatoon each night - showing people that adventure can be found in our own backyard too!

Highlight of the Series: 🐻 Bear Spray Training! (inert spray)

GO PREPARED. GO With CONFIDENCE!

Day Trippers are generally the LEAST prepared for a backcountry mishap. Most are not prepared to spend more time than originally planned, deal with a drastic change in weather, manage an injury or emergency, and potentially spend an unplanned night out. Especially under stress. This event is an earl...

01/30/2026

If you work outside - why do you train inside?

Standard First Aid is merely a check box for anyone who is working outside in remote places. HOW you train matters! When the stressors of remote places increase - your basic first aid is extremely lacking on the realities of environmental exposure, longer term care, decision making, self exiting, and problem solving in a low resource environment. 911 is not always an option, satellite communication is a struggle, day light fades quickly, and YOU are your own responder.

REMOTE First Aid includes CPR/AED, is valid (exceeds!) Saskatchewan workplace requirements for first aid training, and is a more relevant, applicable, and valuable training experience. Most bring their own field gear, vehicles, ATVs and other work related gear. Train with what you have in scenarios that are relatable to your realities.

Remote First Aid is an exceptional team building experience! This whole experience challenges participants, inspires them to navigate risks differently, and identify gaps for improvement. Most importantly it is entertaining and valued by all our students. No one falls asleep due to boredom!!!

The training experience you provide yourself or your employees matters MORE than the certificate they hold.

Weekday options coming up - local to Saskatoon area.

01/30/2026

Kristin and her crew at Sage Creek Prairie School knows how to get kids outdoors! I 100% encourage you to get your kids out to their camps!

We’re unveiling a new, high energy action-packed survival camp this season…just for the older kids!
We’re going to combine the thrill of being in a wild place with learning useful outdoor skills, developing grit and resilience, and learning how to deal with first aid emergencies. Individuals will learn some knife work, fire lighting, basic shelter building, and potentially become certified in Red Cross standard first aid.
This isn’t your average classroom, nor should it be.
You want kids off their phones? Give them something to get excited about. Click the link! https://forms.gle/Y3GKMbNACNGyrJjz9

01/29/2026

Always great info from My Life Outdoors!

Get 30% off onX: https://geni.us/zzvBCold weather isn’t just uncomfortable, it’s one of nature’s most dangerous predators. In this video, we break down the f...

01/27/2026

Just getting started on our Wilderness First Responder with Saskatoon Search and Rescue. These volunteers are giving 60-80hrs of their time to refresh their skills and bring on new WFRs. While we may start in the classroom ….you know we won’t be in here long! ;)

01/22/2026

I’d say a few of you should probably sit in on this…

01/21/2026

So many ask if there is a course for teens.....so here we go!.

If your teen is an outdoorsy person and has grown up exploring the outdoors - this course is for them! Camping, hiking, paddling, fishing, hunting, horse-back riding, ATV/Snowmobile riding, MTBing etc! All too often we assume the "adults" will handle things....but if you adventure with your teen it would be prudent to equip them with knowledge and skills to help YOU or someone else too!

Your teen needs to be in Grade 9-12 and have the maturity to manage long days, tough topics, and their attitude/behaviours throughout the days. They should be comfortable and experienced in the outdoor environment - having shared a lifestyle of outdoor activities with your family as they have grown. They will be guided through all the topics, skills, scenarios and truths of first aid incidents - especially those related to outdoor activities. Your youth must have the maturity to respectfully participate, engage in challenging skills, attentively learn, and contribute to a supportive learning environment with all their fellow students. Hard topics will be navigated with truth, skills will have ample time to experiment and discover, and scenarios will be a cumulation of skills learnt & good sense.

While your teen may be the right age, there is an expected level of maturity, independence, and general interest in pursuing a CERTIFICATION in first aid that they can use throughout their life, their backcountry adventures, and employment. Participation does not equate to certification.

Easter Break: April 7-9th 9am - 5pm

Location: TBD Saskatoon natural landscape parks if weather is favourable. Unfavourable weather - rural park 20min outside of Saskatoon if we need indoor shelter. NO overnight camping.

Certification: Remote First Aid inc. CPR-C/AED = use for employment and volunteer needs.. No prior certification required.

Cost: $350+ GST includes manual, supplies for first aid skills in class, Back40 gift, certification.

What you need to bring:
- Clothing appropriate for the weather forecast and changing weather conditions.
- FOOD & WATER for the day
- Camp chair (easily carried to camp spot)
- Extra clothing to practice with

HOW TO REGISTER:
Please email back40training@gmail.com if you have questions or concerns before registering. Those who register online will not be charged course fee yet - an invoice will be sent after I talk with each youth/family about their participation. No refunds for cancellations that occur after March 31st.

TEEN / YOUTH: Grade 9-12 This course is for your teen who is: Who is currently in High School (Grade 8 or younger not accepted) Who is active in a remote, rural, and outdoor setting & shared family lifestyle. Who is aspiring to seek employment with outdoor agencies / camps…

01/21/2026

Spring Calendar Updated!

NEW:
- More weekday options for those who might use this for work.
- TEEN Grade 9-12 over Easter Break
- 3 Recert dates set

If your calendar is filling up like mine - it is time to start thinking ahead! Perliminary summer dates are penciled in on my end but not released yet....stay tuned for Anglin Lake Paddle RFA and Buffalo Pound RFA this summer.

Wilderness First Aid Courses by Back40 Training - Back40 Training - Your First Aid Matters

01/16/2026

THIS is our classroom.

Here (or wherever we are with you) we blend the task of learning with the social aspect of team building. Adults are like kids…they thrive outside the classroom. They rise to the task and the challenge of the skills and scenarios I plan without grumbling. They buy in. They play. They build on their good sense.

But most of all they really do enjoy their training. The respect and participation I’ve earned from these complete strangers is not because I’m their instructor…..it’s because I’m their peer. I inspire them to value the importance of first aid. I build on their interests, concerns, and questions. I ENTERTAIN them through the lens of learning. I do not treat them like they don’t know anything. I foster their desire to try, experiment and McGyver. I challenge their thinking, call them out on their excuses, and throw the sarcasm and cheeky comments right back at them.

I can assure you with full confidence, pride and passion that your crews thrive in my space. This is all SO MUCH more than their certification.

THIS is my classroom. THIS is my joy.