WHAT IS AN APPROVED COURSE?

An approved course is one that is readily verifiable by IPGA. For verification purposes it is recommended that the course have a website, including online instructor qualifications, course syllabus and contact details. The applicant should link to these pages in his/her application.

The course should be conducted by either:

an institution that clearly specialises in delivering the course content and awards certificates or official documentation at its conclusion
an individual that clearly specialises in delivering the course content and can provide a course syllabus and signed documentation of the applicant's participation

Wilderness Fist Aid

Applicants must submit a 40+/- hour wilderness first aid certificate. While Wilderness First Responder (WFR) is seen as best practice in many jurisdictions, Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA) are acceptable. The certificate must be current and the course should include in its syllabus:

patient assessment
checking vitals signs - airway, breathing, bleeding and shock
stabilisation of traumatic injuries - spine, head, chest, abdomen, fractures, dislocations
focused spine assessment process, for release of spinal immobilisation in the field when appropriate
management of wounds
environmental emergencies - preferably including hypothermia, frostbite, heat exhaustion and shock, altitude illness, immersion
identification and assessment of medical emergencies including but not limited to cardiac; respiratory; abdominal; signs and symptoms of the different categories of shock; and an understanding of evacuation criteria

Example: https://www.crossinglatitudes.com/wilderness-advanced-first-aid

IPGA will consider an equivalency of first aid training that falls outside of standard 40+/- courses, provided an applicant can demonstrate relevance to their application.

NOTE: WFA, WAFA and WFR course content and durations vary between jurisdictions. You should verify the content and duration in your location before booking a course.
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Glacier Travel/Crevasse Rescue

A Glacier Travel/Crevasse Rescue course must be a minimum 4 days duration and should be conducted by an IFMGA/UIAGM-certified institution or guide. The course should be designed for guides, leaders or persons taking leadership responsibility on glaciated terrain. Beginners courses are not appropriate as a stand-alone course.

Syllabus should include:

knowledge of ice mechanics and the dangers of glacier travel
safe glacier travel
rope management and techniques
snow and ice anchors
self arrest
crevasse rescue
ice axe and crampon use

Courses that concentrate primarily on alpine, ice or rock climbing are not considered relevant for IPGA endorsement. Additionally, in order to replicate expedition conditions, a course should also cover glacier travel over snow-bridged crevasses, holding a falling person, and rescue out of real crevasses.

Additional private training with a professional mountain guide may be required.

Annual refreshers or regular practice of crevasse rescue technique is recommended.

Before registering on a course IPGA encourages applicants to contact our Membership and Registration Committee to confirm its suitability info@polarguides.org