Workshops

Description

The Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course provides essential training in wilderness medicine, leadership, and critical thinking for professionals, leaders, and outdoor adventurers in outdoor, low-resource, and remote environments.

Course Format

This course model requires 30+ hours of pre-course work including textbook learning and completion of a study guide and online exam followed by 45+ hours of in-person learning over the course of five days. Students must register four to six weeks prior to the course to ensure adequate time for pre-course work. Internet is required to register, complete pre-course paperwork, and take the online pre-course exam.

Curriculum

The WFR Curriculum involves a minimum of 70 hours of instruction when taught in the United States and 80 hours when taught in Canada. Hours vary in other countries. 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.

Requirements

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.

Evaluation

This course is pass/fail. 100% attendance is mandatory. Evaluation is based on practical patient simulations, hands-on activities, and a written test. WMA International is committed to making reasonable accommodation for any student with special needs.

Recertification

Certifications are valid for three years. Graduates of this course may recertify by taking a Wilderness First Responder Recertification course or a Bridge (WAFA to WFR) course.

No refunds or credits will be issued within 30 days of the program start date unless the seat is filled. 

Description

The Wilderness First Responder Recertification course is designed to recertify eligible Wilderness First Responders and current Wilderness EMS Upgrade/Wilderness EMT graduates. Students will review essential skills, wilderness protocols, and updates in wilderness medicine.

Course Format

This course model is taught in 3 days. Students are expected to review their previous course materials and arrive ready and able to recertify in a limited about of time.  Internet is required to register and complete pre-course paperwork. If applicable, WEMS/WEMT students must indicate that they are recertifying at that level at the time of registration and will be assigned mandatory pre-course work tailored to their level of training.

Curriculum

Pre-course preparation, exams, and class time focuses on competency with the patient assessment system, critical system problems, management of life threats, wilderness protocols, environmental injuries, management of common injuries and illnesses, and critical thinking. The specific content and skills reviewed will vary based on the needs of the group.

Requirements & Eligibility

Eligible WFR Recertification students are current graduates (not expired or within a grace period) from: 

• A WFR course with a minimum of 70 hours of overall instruction, including a minimum of 45 hours of in-person instruction. 
• WFR Recertification courses with a minimum of 16-hours of in-person instruction.
• Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) certification holders are eligible to recertify in WMA recertification courses. Upon successful completion, students will receive a WFR certification.
• Additional pre-course work will be required.
• Some work may require high speed internet.

Eligible WEMS/WEMT cardholders may recertify their current (non-expired or within a grace period) WEMS in a WMA WFR Recertification course. Their current certification must be from a WEMT/WEMS Upgrade course with a minimum of 45 hours in-person instruction. Mandatory pre-course work is required.

Note: We do not allow students with a certification from an exclusively online WFR (or WFR recertification) course to attend a WMA recertification 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.

Evaluation

This course is pass/fail. 100% attendance is mandatory. Evaluation is based on practical patient simulations, hands-on activities, and a written test. WMA International is committed to making reasonable accommodation for any student with special needs.

Recertification

Certifications are valid for three years. Graduates of this course may rectify by taking the Bridge (WAFA to WFR) or by repeating this course.

No refunds or credits will be issued within 30 days of the program start date unless the seat is filled.