Wilderness First Responder 5-Day (WFR5)

Upcoming Classes
Click here for dates, times and locations

Course Description
Essential for anyone who spends significant time in remote places or who has a professional career in the outdoors, the Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course will prepare you to make difficult medical decisions in remote locations. This course is fast-paced and engaging. You’ll spend a large portion of your time outside of the classroom learning hands-on skills through realistic scenarios. In addition to scenarios, you’ll participate in two full-scale mock rescues, one of which may be at night. You’ll be taught by dynamic instructors who have practiced both wilderness and urban medicine. This course is ideal for all professionals operating in remote environments. Upon completion of this nationally recognized curriculum you will possess the tools and confidence to manage patients in the backcountry for multiple days.

Class Format
The 5-Day WFR course covers the same material, meets the same criteria and awards the same 72 to 80 hour certification as our “standard” 9 or 10 day Wilderness First Responder course. It is designed for students and professionals who have tight schedules and possess the self-discipline to complete approximately 30 hours of pre-course preparation. Students will have access to the WFR study materials approximately two weeks before the course starts. They are required to complete the assigned reading, case studies and online tests. The on-site instruction that follows reinforces and expands on the knowledge already acquired. Because students arrive familiar with the didactic material, on-site training will focus primarily on practical skill building and wilderness rescue scenarios. Attendance is required for all scheduled classes. Scenarios and practice sessions will take place both inside and outside. Simulated rescues will take place outside, rain or shine.

Prerequisites
No previous first aid training is required. You must be 16 years old to attend this course.

Certification
Participants are required to pass both written and practical examinations. Successful course completion earns you a National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR) Wilderness First Responder certification and an American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI) BLS certification. Both certifications are current for two years.

Cost
$775 Tuition and Materials (Field Guide, Handouts, Online Study Materials, First Aid Kit, Pocket Face Mask). Acquiring the course textbook, Wilderness First Responder: How To Recognize, Treat, And Prevent Emergencies In The Backcountry, 3rd Edition by Buck Tilton, in print or digital format is the responsibility of the student. Registered students will be emailed several options for procuring the text.

Registration and Policies
To register you have two options: (1) Call us at (970) 729-2779 and register over the phone. (2) Go to the “Upcoming Courses” page and click on “Register Here” under the appropriate course. A deposit of $200 by cash, check or credit card is required to reserve a space in the course with the balance due at the beginning of class. Cancellation prior to 2 weeks is eligible for a full refund. Cancellation within 2 weeks forfeits the deposit. *Click here for upcoming class registration deadlines.

Required Equipment
Please bring outdoor clothing appropriate for lying on potentially wet, muddy or snowy, cold ground playing the role of both rescuer and patient. You will need: a large day pack, water bottle, multiple clothing layers, waterproof jacket and pants, gloves and hat, sturdy boots, head lamp or flashlight, helmet, and a watch with a second hand. An evening, outdoor mock rescue may take place so please have plenty of warm clothing. A small camp-style chair is handy for outdoor sessions.