Running Head: WILDERNESS FIRST AID RETENTION

Objective. – To examine the retention of Wilderness First Aid (WFA) knowledge, self-efficacy beliefs, and skill over time in a sample of WFA course participants. Methods. Seventy-two open enrollment (volunteer) WFA course participants were assessed at either 4, 8, or 12 months after training. Changes in WFA knowledge and self-efficacy were assessed by written instruments post course and at the follow-up interval (4, 8, 12 months). WFA skills were assessed via a scored medical scenario at the follow-up interval. Results. – As the time interval increased, WFA knowledge, self-efficacy, and skill proficiency decreased. WFA knowledge and self-efficacy beliefs were not highly correlated with skill performance. Conclusions. Without additional training, regular use of the course content, or efforts to refresh thinking on key topics, the ability for WFA students to effectively apply their learning will likely decrease as time from training increases. With respect to these WFA courses, student scores on written tests did not accurately reflect competence in performing practical skills related to a medical scenario. In addition, student self-confidence in the ability to perform such skills did not strongly correlate with actual skills and ability.