We focus on realistic, hands-on education taught by passionate, knowledgeable, experienced wilderness and emergency medicine instructors. Classes are fun with lots of scenario skills practice. The emphasis is on making good decisions by staying calm and safe, doing a good patient assessment, and having good communication and leadership. Join our classes, where it is safe to learn, and OK to make mistakes.
Our wilderness medicine courses provide curricula that are evidence-based and follow the Wilderness Medical Society protocols, as well as the standards set forth by Wilderness Medicine Education Collaborative. The standards meet or exceed applicable national standards and guidelines as well.
Wilderness First Aid – 16 hours
This two-day introductory Wilderness First Aid course teaches participants the assessment of, and treatment given to an ill or injured person in the backcountry. In this type of setting, access to definitive care such as a hospital or clinic, as well as emergency transport may delayed for hours or even days. Course participants will learn how to assess, treat, and when possible, prevent medical and traumatic emergencies within the scope of their training.
In addition to a half day of outdoor scenario practice of first aid and leadership skills, this class focuses on practicing skills and covers: patient assessment, shock and bleeding, head and spinal injuries, wounds, musculoskeletal injuries, heat and cold illnesses and much more. Successful completion of class includes a 3-year Wilderness First Aid certificate.
NASAR or HSI Wilderness First Aid card is available (for Boy Scout Leaders or SAR team members) if needed. Contact us for details.
Wilderness Advanced First Aid – 40 hours
Want more practice and skills but just cannot take the time for a 72-80 hour class? This is a perfect option. 5 days focused on wilderness first aid skills for those who lead or individuals who adventure in the backcountry. This class is for those who do not need a Wilderness First Responder but want more than can be offered in a 2 day wilderness first aid class. More scenarios, skills and leadership practice. This class can also serve as a WFR Recert. Successful completion of class includes a 3 year Wilderness Advanced First Aid and a 2 year Adult and Child CPR/AED certificates.
Wilderness First Responder – 80 hours
Wilderness First Responder is an intensive 80 hour course specifically designed to provide an individual with in-depth knowledge of wilderness medicine and the basic skills to treat the most common injuries and illnesses encountered in the wilderness. This program is appropriate for professional guides, outdoor educators, adventure guides, Search and Rescue professionals, for others who are in a position of leadership in an outdoor setting, or individuals who want a higher level of emergency medical training due to extended backcountry trips or expeditions. It is designed for non-medical people who want a deeper understanding of wilderness medicine.
Currently, this course is typically 10 consecutive days. This format offers a comprehensive look at not only properly identifying and managing life-threatening injuries and illnesses that could appear in a wilderness setting (more than 60 minutes away from definitive care), but also incorporates a lot of hands-on skill practice, case studies, practical scenarios, evacuation planning and procedures, and other aspects of long term patient care involving wilderness context and situational awareness.
In the future we plan to offer a WFR Hybrid course. The course would require approximately 50 hours of online coursework. Following the completion of the online material, a student will be eligible to attend the 30+ hours of hands-on training. Our expert instructors employ a wide scope of teaching methods, balancing lectures with practical, hands-on skills and scenarios. Emphasis is placed not just on the materials learned, but the critical decision-making skills surrounding effective backcountry medical management.
This longer class covers more than the core topics in the Wilderness First Aid and Wilderness Advanced First Aid classes. But the key difference after this class is your confidence. You will have practiced and practiced and practiced. This class usually has 3 full days of outdoor scenarios in addition to mini scenarios and skills practices every session. Successful completion of class includes a 3 year Wilderness First Responder certificate and a 2 year CPR for Healthcare Providers (BLS) certificates.
Curriculum:
The materials below are covered via didactic lectures, small group discussions, practical skills sessions, and live scenarios. Each topic will describe pathology, treatment, prevention, and provide evacuation guidelines necessary for high-quality patient care. This curriculum is continually reviewed for best practice and the most up to date guidelines.
The WFR curriculum includes, but is not limited to topics such as:
NASAR or HSI Wilderness First Responder card is available (SAR team members) if needed. Contact us for details.
Wilderness First Responder Recertification/Refresher Hybrid – 16 hours
This class is for Wilderness First Responders who need to re-certify or wish to refresh their skills. We will review the WFR topics and skills, update your skills and knowledge to current standards, and practice, practice, practice. Hybrid format will involve pre-class reading, online Patient Assessments, and written tests. Wilderness First Responder certification is available upon successful completion of the class. Pre-requisites: WFR card from less than 4 years ago.
Individuals can click HERE for information on classes they can join.
