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WILDERNESS FIRST RESPONDER

The Wilderness First Responder (WFR) is a person with comprehensive knowledge about identifying problems, initiating treatment, and planning evacuation in a wilderness setting. Our WFR course is a good fit for outdoor enthusiasts who venture deep into the wilderness for extended periods of time, are guides or trip leaders responsible for caring for others, or for enthusiasts who simply desire a deeper level of medical knowledge and skill.

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The WFR Scope of Practice: 1. Identify traumatic injuries, environmental illnesses, and medical problems using thorough assessment, 2. Initiate sensible and appropriate field treatment and management, 3. Identify signs and symptoms requiring evacuation for life-threatening problems.

Hiker at the stream in the mountains

Things to Note:

  • Certifications are valid for 2 years

  • Field manuals will be provided to students at the in-person portion of their course

  • Students must attend and participate in all aspect of their course to be eligible for certification

  • Students must pass a written exam and practical skills exam in order to receive their certification

  • There is no accrediting or governing body for WFR certification that exists in the US. We created out WFR curriculum to follow the Wilderness Medicine Education Collaborative, which has set standards for common field certifications. ​​

Forest

Course Options

Choose the format that works best for you and your life

In-Person

7-Days, 70 hours, All in-person

Cost: $600, supplies and textbook included

This intensive, in-person course consists of 7 ten-hour days full of discussion, lecture, skills practice, and patient scenarios. Students will be given access to the same online resources as the hybrid course.​ There will be one evening scenario session on the fifth day (included in the ten-hours). The in-person WFR course is scheduled less frequently compared to our other courses; please reach out to us directly if you are interested in an in-person WFR and do not see one scheduled. 

Hybrid

Video lectures online, 3-days hands on (Approximately 70 hours total learning)

Cost: $500, supplies and textbook included

The hybrid WFR offers an at-your-own-pace learning option. Learners have 1 month prior to their hands on portion to review online lectures and provided resources. The pre-recorded lectures offer the same content as the in-person courses. The 3 days hands-on portion provides students the opportunity to apply their learning to patient scenarios and practice important skills, such as splinting and wound care.​ 

Recertification

Video lectures online, 3-days hands on

Cost: $300, supplies and textbook included

For students wanting to re-certify their WFR, we invite them to the in-person portion of our Hybrid WFR courses. The 3 day course reviews pertinent topics for the WFR and provides students the opportunity to partake in patient scenarios and practice important skills, such as splinting and wound care. There will be one evening scenario session on the second day (included in the 10-hours of that day).


Our WFR recertification course is availabel for studnets who are wihtin six months of their  WFR expiration date. Proof of previous WFR certification with expiration date must be emailed to cascademtnmed@gmail.com to verify eligibility.​​​​​

Aerial View of a Mountain River

Course Eligibility

  • Must be at least 16 years of age 

  • Health status that permits up to 10-12 hour days of sitting, standing, squatting, and/or lifting up to 50 lbs. 

  • Medical and medication history that could impact your ability to complete the course should be disclosed to course instructors to facilitate and ensure the safety of students ​

  • Be able to independently move around in the varying settings. This may include grassy fields, single track trail, or hillside terrains. 

  • Be prepared by completing any pre-assigned course work and arrive to class ready to engage and participate in all learning activities

  • Be inclusive and respectful to all other students and participate in learning activities with students from varying backgrounds

Forest Aerial View

Course Objectives

After our WFR course, learners should be able to:

  • Maintain rescuer and patient safety.

  • Perform a physical exam to identify signs injuries or illnesses. Assess symptoms, trend vital signs, and obtain a patient history.

  • Anticipate and prevent medical problems and injuries related to the activity and environment.

  • Recognize threatening environmental conditions and use mitigation techniques to lessen the effects of the the concerns. 

  • Stabilize emergencies. Initiate appropriate medical treatments, such as splints, wound care, and managing environmental threats. 

  • Identify the need and level urgency for evacuation.

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WFA proficiencies have been adapted from the Wilderness Medicine Education  Collaborative (WMEC) certification standards. 

River Rapids

WFR Core Topics
& Skills

  • Patient Assessment and Scene Survey

  • Traumatic Injuries​​

    • Shock and Bleeding​

    • Brain, Neck and Spine Trauma

    • Chest and Abdomen Trauma

    • Soft Tissue Injuries

    • Musculoskeletal Injuries

  • Environmental Problems​​

    • Hydration

    • Heat Illness

    • Freezing and Non-Freezing Cold Injuries

    • Hypothermia

    • Lightening

    • Drowning

    • Bites, Stings, and Animal Attacks

    • Snow blindness

    • Sunburn

    • Altitude Illness

    • Snakebite

    • Toxic Reactions

  • Medical Problems

    • Life Threatening Medical Emergencies​

      • Cardiac, Respiratory, Neurologic​, Diabetic

    • Infectious Disease

    • Eye, Ear, Nose Problems

    • Dental Problems

    • Genitourinary Problems

    • Abdominal Pain

    • Anaphylaxis and Allergies

  • Medical Legal 

  • Skills:

    • Obtain patient ​assessment, vitals, SAMPLE history

    • Perform bleeding control and apply tourniquet

    • Apply spine precautions and protection

    • Perform focused spine assessment 

    • Write a SOAP Note

    • Splint musculoskeletal injuries 

    • Reduce dislocated joints

    • Create a hypothermia wrap

    • Use an epinephrine auto-injector

    • CPR and AED use

    • Improvised litters and stretchers

Mountains
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