Wilderness first aid
Santa Cruz Island Scorpion Anchorage

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Overview:

The East side of Santa Cruz is the incredible location for this course. The WFA is 16 hours of training while we explore the beauty of the Island. The National Park campground provides us with easy access to pristine beaches, mountainous terrain, and remote valleys where we can explore while practicing our skills. 

Santa Cruz is a unique island with an incredible history, varied flora and fauna, and a rugged interior with mountains, ocean views, secluded beaches and endemic species found here and nowhere else on earth. 

Twice the size of Manhattan, Santa Cruz Island is split into two sections: 24% owned by the National Park Service and 76% owned privately by The Nature Conservancy. Our home for this WFA course is the National Park Scorpion Anchorage Campground. This area will allow us freedom to explore the island while learning WFA skills that can be used to save a life.

Challenge:

Additional Trip Information:

Getting to Santa Cruz Island: The closest public airport to Ventura is in Santa Barbara [SBA] but this has a limited number of flights. It is best to consider flying in to either Burbank [BUR] a 1-hour drive; or Los Angeles [LAX] a 1.5 hour drive. You will need to rent a car or hire transportation to Ventura. 

Accommodations: Prior to heading to the island, you will need to secure accommodations. This can be found either in Ventura city or Ventura Harbor. There are a number of national hotel chains and local hotels in Ventura. Please contact us for more information. 

Park Entry: There is no fee to enter Channel Islands National Park or Santa Cruz Island. 

Passports: Not required for this adventure.

What’s Included: 

  • A certified and highly experienced 4Points Instructor.

  • WFA and CPR certification

  • Island Packers Ferry to Scorpion Anchorage and back to Ventura

  • Permits, and camping for the duration of your time on the island.  

What’s not included:

  • Personal equipment—backpack, sleeping bag, rescue and WFR equipment

  • Transportation to Ventura; accommodations in Ventura for the night prior or the night after the course

  • Meals ARE NOT included for this course

Admin Information:

WFA Price: $550.00 per person

WFA is valid for 2 years. CPR for 2 years. 

Group Size: Minimum of 8 participants. Maximum of 30 participants. 

Ideal Clientele: Clients need to be physically capable of completing the backcountry WFA curriculum including challenging hikes with some limited steep uphill sections. Must be able to carry a litter with a patient as part of a team. Minimum age is 16.

Itinerary:

  • Class topics: Medicolegal issues, patient assessment, vital signs, critical care and backcountry survival; traumatic injuries: Sprains, strains, fractures; spinal and head injuries; cardiothoracic trauma

    This adventure begins when you meet your instructor at the Island Packers boat ramp in Ventura Harbor. The ferry ride takes about 1 hour to Scorpion Anchorage, our landing site. We hike the short distance [about ¼ mile] to the campground to set up and organize our gear. After a quick tour and exploration of the area, we’ll settle in and begin our initial class program. Today will include a mix of classroom, skills, and time to explore around our home for the next 3 days.

  • Class topics: Skill acquisition; environmental emergencies [heat/cold, allergic reaction, lightning, drowning]; bleeding control; wound care and infections; shock, and medical emergencies

    Today we’ll hike to Smuggler’s Beach as we continue class with our medical emergency topics. Our day will consist of exploring the beach area, taking in views of our surroundings, practicing skills and learning new topics. After we hike back to the campground we’ll end with a short review before sunset at Cavern Point.

  • Class topics: CPR certification, testing and skills day

    Our 3rd day has us up and out early to explore more of the island; we’ll hike to Potato Harbor after completing our CPR skills certification. The rest of the day will be spent on skills practice and exploring along the huge cliffs on this side of the island. The final part of our day we’ll clean up our gear and prepare to head back to the mainland from our island paradise.

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Contact us with any questions you have about our adventures.  We can create a unique adventure specifically for you. 

Testimonials

Testimonials

"4Points is an extremely well run program with a high level of knowledge about Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness First Responder, CPR, and many other safety measures. They balance offering real-world examples, knowledge/expertise as well as tailoring the course to our specific situations."

Bianca V.

"We've used Matt and 4Points for years to train our staff in WFA. It's been an incredible boost to our program. Matt is professional, experienced, and creative, and his friendly demeanor allows him to connect with all different kinds of learners."

Paul D.

"We completed our WFR (Wilderness First Responder) Certification with Matt and Denali from 4Points last week. They were awesome. Matt has a ton of experience from working as a firefighter, EMT, and international guide."

Spencer SB.

"If you want to do a WFR course, sign up with Matt May. From our first communications through email, it was apparent that Matt is conscientious, professional and knowledgeable. I signed up for this course because my son, an avid climber, wanted his WFR certification and I wanted to spend time with him."

Joy F.

"I’ve done 4Points’ Wilderness First Aid and CPR training several times over the years. The trainings are so well-organized, up-to-date, filled with facts (and humor) and always use a maximum of experiential learning through scenarios and follow-through discussions. Matt May is a true teacher and guide."

Jim B.

"Recently took the WFA (wilderness first aid) and CPR courses with teacher & industry expert, Matt. Can't say enough great things about Matt's teaching style and expansive knowledge on the topics."

Chris G.

"This place is AMAZING!! I've been coming here for years and all I can say is they really explain things to where you understand it not just 'pass a class' you really understand it. I can't believe I hadn't written a review yet, shame on me."

Yesi A.

“I have taken many WFR/WFA classes and this was by far the best. The flexibility in using our equipment and basing the scenarios on skills the SAR members would be using was spot on.”

Carol Schilz
Mono County Search & Rescue - Mammoth Lakes CA

“For nearly 15 years, 4Points has been an invaluable partner for our program, offering exceptional wilderness medicine training and unwavering support. (Their) dedication to understanding and meeting our unique needs, providing expert guidance, and going above and beyond has truly made our experiences outstanding.”

Paul Denison, The Cate School - Carpinteria, California

“I have been a grateful student of 4 points for over 10 years. Their Wild Land First Aid courses are all encompassing, and give me an incredible amount of confidence to be able to deal with any emergency situation. I highly recommend 4 points.”

Jane "Spider" Fawke