WFR - Wilderness First Responder
The Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course is traditionally an eight-day medical training (also available as a five-day hybrid training) for outdoor educators, wilderness guides, members of the military, professional search and rescue teams, wildland firefighters, researchers, and those involved in disaster relief. The course provides essential training in wilderness medicine, leadership, and critical thinking for professionals and leaders working and traveling in outdoor, low-resource, and remote environments. During the course, students learn the essential principles and skills required to assess and manage medical problems in isolated and extreme environments for days and weeks if necessary.
COURSE CONTENT
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The general principles of wilderness and rescue medicine with an emphasis on identifying medical emergencies, critical thinking, and risk management.
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Patient assessment and emergency care including CPR and AED use, basic life support skills, the patient assessment system, patient reporting, and calling for help.
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Environmental medicine including illness and injuries related to altitude, temperature, lightning, submersion, and environmental toxins.
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Backcountry medicine including the assessment and treatment of common medical problems.
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Treatment of injuries from traumatic mechanisms and the treatment of musculoskeletal problems such as overuse syndromes and dislocations.
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Non-technical lifting, moving, and extrication of patients with an emphasis on spinal motion restriction when applicable.
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Practical Skills including bleeding control, wound management, bandaging, splinting, spine stable patient packaging, hypothermia management, medical kit preparation.
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WMA International wilderness protocols including treatment of anaphylaxis, wound management, CPR in a remote setting, spine injury assessment, reduction of simple dislocations, and treatment for severe asthma.
EVALUATION
Successful completion with certification is based on:
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Attendance (100% attendance is mandatory)
-
Practical patient simulations
-
Hands-on activities
-
Successful grade on a final written exam.
​
Wilderness Medical Associates International is committed to making reasonable accommodation to any student with special needs.
CURRICULUM
The WFR Curriculum involves a minimum of 70 hours of instruction. During the course, students learn the essential principles and skills required to assess and manage medical problems in isolated and extreme environments for days and weeks if necessary.
CERTIFICATION
&
Recertification
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Wilderness First Responder certification
-
CPR Certification (Based on ERC guidelines)
​
Certifications are valid for three years.
​
Recertification
Graduates of this course may recertify by taking a Wilderness First Responder Recertification course or a Bridge (WAFA to WFR) course.
PREREQUISITES
Prior to enrolling, please review our Functional Position Description.
The criteria in this policy allow students to self-assess their ability to meet the demands of a WMA International course as well as the demands of a certified wilderness medical provider in the field.
CURRICULUM
The WFR Curriculum involves a minimum of 70 hours of instruction. During the course, students learn the essential principles and skills required to assess and manage medical problems in isolated and extreme environments for days and weeks if necessary.
COURSE CONTENT
-
The general principles of wilderness and rescue medicine with an emphasis on identifying medical emergencies, critical thinking, and risk management.
-
Patient assessment and emergency care including CPR and AED use, basic life support skills, the patient assessment system, patient reporting, and calling for help.
-
Environmental medicine including illness and injuries related to altitude, temperature, lightning, submersion, and environmental toxins.
-
Backcountry medicine including the assessment and treatment of common medical problems.
-
Treatment of injuries from traumatic mechanisms and the treatment of musculoskeletal problems such as overuse syndromes and dislocations.
-
Non-technical lifting, moving, and extrication of patients with an emphasis on spinal motion restriction when applicable.
-
Practical Skills including bleeding control, wound management, bandaging, splinting, spine stable patient packaging, hypothermia management, medical kit preparation.
-
WMA International wilderness protocols including treatment of anaphylaxis, wound management, CPR in a remote setting, spine injury assessment, reduction of simple dislocations, and treatment for severe asthma.
Successful completion with certification is based on:
-
Attendance (100% attendance is mandatory)
-
Practical patient simulations
-
Hands-on activities
-
Successful grade on a final written exam.
Wilderness Medical Associates International is committed to making reasonable accommodation to any student with special needs.
EVALUATION
(RE)CERTIFICATION
-
Wilderness First Responder Certification
-
CPR Certification (Based on ERC guidelines)
Certifications are valid for three year
Recertification
Graduates of this course may recertify by taking a Wilderness First Responder Recertification course or a Bridge (WAFA to WFR) course.
Prior to enrolling, please review our Functional Position Description.
The criteria in this policy allow students to self-assess their ability to meet the demands of a WMA International course as well as the demands of a certified wilderness medical provider in the field.