Our Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course, in partnership with SOLO Wilderness Medicine, provides the essential training needed to manage medical emergencies in remote settings. This 70+ hour hands-on, intensive course is perfect for outdoor professionals, guides, and avid adventurers seeking to deepen their emergency response skills. Through real-world scenarios, you’ll learn to assess, treat, and manage injuries and illnesses when help is far away. Earn your WFR certification and be fully prepared for the challenges of wilderness exploration.
Recommended For: Backcountry Trip Leaders, Camp Counselors, River Guides, Ski Patrollers, students in Outdoor Recreation Programs
Certifications Received:
- 3-Year SOLO Wilderness First Responder Certification
- 2-Year ASHI CPR & AED Certification
- 2-Year ASHI Epi Auto Injector Certification
WFR Course Dates
WFR Course Outline
Topics Covered
- Patient Assessment
- Treatment of Common Injuries
- Treatment of Medical Emergencies
- CPR + AED
- EPI Auto Injector
- Basic Wilderness Survival Skills
- Introduction to Rescue and Evacuation
What to expect
Class begins at 8:00am, and participants should expect to spend 8-10 hours per day in the course, with breaks for meals. The course includes a mix of hands-on activities and classroom-based learning, with both indoor and outdoor scenarios, so dressing appropriately for the weather is essential.
On Day 7 or 8, there will be a class session that extends into the evening after dinner. The total instruction time will exceed 70 hours. This interactive course involves some physical contact with fellow participants and requires a moderate level of strength.
Additionally, there may be occasional homework assignments to complete outside of class time.
Requirements
- Students must be at least 16 years of age to take this course.
- All minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Packing List
You should plan to wear or have with you clothing that will be appropriate to the season and location where you will be taking your course. Weather permitting, we will be spending a significant portion of the class time out-of-doors. The following list is to SUPPLEMENT the clothing you will be wearing and is to be considered a minimum. You are free to supplement it with anything else you would normally carry. You will be using your equipment to provide care, build splints, and to keep yourself and OTHERS warm. Please note, we use moulage throughout the training that can stain some clothing, therefore, you may want to bring older or darker clothing to wear for scenarios.
Required Items:
The following items should be packed for each class:
- Pack to put everything in (2500 cu in or large) or duffle bag
- Raingear tops and Bottoms (no ponchos, water proof versus water resistant)
- 2 Warm Hats (synthetic* or wool)
- 1 Pair Warm Gloves or Mittens (synthetic* or wool)
- 2 Pair Warm socks (synthetic* or wool) or wool)
- Warm Top and Bottom Layer (synthetic* or wool)
- 2 Pair Warm socks (synthetic* or wool)
- 2 Water Bottles (1 liter/quart or larger)
- Hiking boots or Sturdy Hiking Shoes (no Five Fingers shoes please)
- Notebook with Pen/Pencil
- Watch with Second Hand (or digital with seconds)
*Polyester or Polypropylene (Capilenetm, Bergelenetm, Dri-Climetm, etc.) We do not recommend cotton which loses its ability to hold heat if wet.
Highly Recommended:
- Headlamp or Flashlight (don’t forget extra batteries and bulbs)
- Pocket Knife
- Insect Repellent (in season)
- Sunglasses and Sunscreen
- 40 feet Small Diameter Cord (parachute cord is fine)
- Sleeping Pad (Ensolite, Thermarest, Ridgerest, etc.)
- 10’ X 10’ 4-6 mil Plastic Tarp (for shelter building)
- Bandanas/Cravats of any kind