Wilderness First Responder (WFR)

WFR (Hybrid)

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 doing hands-on skills and realistic scenarios. In addition to scenarios, you’ll participate in several full-scale mock rescues, one of which may be at night. You will 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 sick or injured patients in the backcountry for an extended period of time.

Course Format
The format for the WFR Hybrid course is 25 to 30-hours of self-paced pre-course work followed by 45-hours of in-person skill practice, practical scenarios, case studies, role playing, and simulates rescues. 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
Successful course completion earns you a National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR) WFR certification, a Health and Safety Institute (HSI) BLS certification, and a HSI Epinephrine Auto-Injector certifications. The WFR certification is valid for 3-years and the BLS and EPI certifications are valid for 2-years.

Cost
$895 Tuition and Materials (Pre-Course Materials, Field Guide, First Aid Kit, CPR Mask)

*** Acquiring the WFR Textbook is the responsibility of the student. It can be borrowed, checked-out, or purchased. Textbook information is included in the pre-course materials***

Registration and Policies
To register for an upcoming class, click the registration button below. You can also call Kevin Dunkak at (970) 729-2779 and register over the phone.

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 or cell phone to log time. A 3-hour evening, outdoor mock rescue may be scheduled so please have plenty of warm clothing. A small camp-style chair can be handy for outdoor sessions.

Topics Covered

  • Patient Assessment System

  • Documentation

  • Medical Legal

  • Basic Life Support (BLS)

  • Spinal Cord Injuries

  • Long-term Patient Care

  • Chest Injuries

  • Shock

  • Head Injuries

  • Wilderness Wound Management

  • Athletic Injuries

  • Fracture Management and Traction Splinting

  • Dislocations

  • Cold Injuries

  • Heat Illness

  • Altitude Illness

  • Cardiac, Respiratory and Neurological Emergencies

  • Abdominal Emergencies

  • Water Disinfection

  • Bites, Stings and Poisoning

  • Allergies and Anaphylaxis

  • Diabetes

  • Search and Rescue

  • Leadership, Teamwork and Communication

  • Survival and Evacuation

  • Lightning

  • Submersion

  • Medical Decision-Making

  • Common Wilderness Medical Problems

  • Wilderness First Aid Kits and Rx Drug Kits