Wilderness First Responder Course

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

The Hybrid course includes a required e-learning section with 30+ hours of interactive online learning followed by 45+ hours of in-person learning over the course of five days. The e-learning section includes interactive learning modules with videos, readings, self-practice assignments, quizzes, and case studies. Students must register four to six weeks prior to the course to ensure adequate time to complete the e-learning section. Review the minimum technology requirements below.

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.

Technology Requirements

High speed Internet Access
A computer with:

• a PDF Reader
• Anti-Virus Software
• Internet Browser (latest version of Chrome, Firefox, or Edge). Note- the system is NOT compatible with Safari.

Skills Taught

• 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.

Q: What is the format and duration of the course?

A: It’s a 5-day / 4-night in-person course with ~45 hours of hands-on instruction. Participants also complete pre-course online work (≈ 25 hours) before arriving.

Q: Who should attend this course?
A: It’s ideal for outdoor educators, guides, search & rescue personnel, backcountry travelers, and others who operate in remote settings. No prior medical training is required (though basic first aid familiarity helps).

Q: What are the prerequisites?
A: You must complete all pre-course modules. Full attendance, active participation, passing the skills assessments, and passing the written exam are required for certification.

Q: How much does it cost?
A: The cost is the same as your regular WFR course (e.g. $850) — includes instruction, materials, and certification testing.

Q: Is there a recertification option?
A: Yes — we offer a 3-day WFR Recertification program. Check our Recert page for dates and details.

Lodging & Meals (Mount Shasta Area)

Q: Where do participants stay during the course?
A: We’ll suggest lodging options in the Mount Shasta area. Some great options include Mt. Shasta Treehouse Lodge, Summit Lofts Mt. Shasta, Shasta Inn, and various other lodging options. Camping is also available around Mount Shasta.

Q: What dining / food options will be available?
A: Some local dining options include:

• Pipeline Craft Taps & Kitchen — a popular spot for locally brewed beers, hearty burgers, and modern pub fare.

• Strings Italian Café — classic Italian dishes and cozy indoor dining in downtown Mt. Shasta.

• Yaks Burgers — famous for creative burgers, milkshakes, and a casual mountain-town vibe.
  In town, you’ll also find other options like Black Bear Diner, Casa Ramos Mexican, and Seven Suns Coffee & Café, among others.
  Participants should bring personal snacks and plan for field lunches, several grocery stores are available including: Mount Shasta Super Market, Ray’s Super Market, and Berryvale Market (organic foods) 

Course Schedule & Content (Typical 5-Day)

Q: What’s a typical daily schedule?
A: It generally mirrors the Bear Valley structure:

We’ll send a more precise agenda in advance so participants can plan arrival times.

Travel, Prep & Logistics

Q: When should participants arrive and depart?
A: Aim to arrive the night before Day 1 or early morning. The course ends late afternoon on Day 5.

Q: What gear should participants bring?
A: You’ll get a detailed packing list, but expect: layered outdoor clothing, rain shell, sturdy boots, headlamp, notebook, small first aid kit, and snacks. Field lunch gear is important.

Q: How do I get to Mount Shasta?
A: Mount Shasta is in northern California near I-5. Use common routes via Redding or Reno depending on direction. Lodging is spread through the town and resort area; check travel times accordingly.

Policies & Miscellaneous

Q: Can I cancel or transfer my registration?
A: Yes — we follow the same refund / transfer policies as our other courses. We also strongly recommend travel or medical insurance.

Q: Is attendance mandatory?
A: Yes — participants must attend all sessions and engage fully to be certified.

Q: What if weather or emergencies disrupt the schedule?
A: We build in buffer time. If conditions require, instructors will adjust daily activities to ensure all core content is covered.

Q: What is the format and duration of this course?
A: It’s a 5-day / 4-night in-person program that includes ~45 hours of hands-on instruction. You’ll also have mandatory pre-course online work (~25 hours) that must be completed before arriving.

Q: Who is this course for?
A: Outdoor educators, guides, search & rescue personnel, and others working or traveling in remote environments. No prior medical training is required — but familiarity with basic first aid helps.

Q: What are the prerequisites?
A: Completion of the pre-course online modules, full attendance of all days, passing both skills evaluations and a written exam.

Q: How much does the course cost?
A: $850 per person. This includes instruction, course materials, and the certification process.

Q: Can I renew / recertify a WFR through you?
A: Yes — we offer a 3-day WFR Recertification option. (Check our “WFR Recertification” page for upcoming dates.)

Lodging & Meals

Q: Where will participants stay?
A: We typically use Bear Valley Lodge for lodging. It’s centrally located and convenient for course operations.

Q: What food / dining options exist on site?
A: On-site dining options include:

• Kofi Haus Café — breakfast & coffee

• Sky High Pizza — lunch and some dinners

• Creekside Bistro — dinner

• General store & deli within the lodge

Q: Should I bring extra food or snacks?
A: Yes — bring personal snacks, energy bars, and lunches (especially for field days). The local dining options are useful, but may not cover all your needs.

Course Schedule & Content

Q: What does a typical daily schedule look like?
A: Here’s a rough outline:

Travel, Prep & Logistics

Q: When should I arrive / depart?
A: Plan to arrive the evening before Day 1 or early on Day 1. The course usually concludes the late afternoon of Day 5.

Q: What gear should I bring?
A: You’ll receive a detailed packing list. Expect: layered outdoor clothing, rain gear, sturdy shoes or boots, headlamp, notebook, basic first aid kit, and field lunch/snacks.

Q: How do I reach Bear Valley, CA?
A: Located off Highway 4 in the Central Sierra Nevada. Be sure to monitor road conditions (especially during winter) via Caltrans or local sources before traveling.

Policies & General

Q: Can I cancel or transfer my registration?
A: Yes — we follow SWS’s standard refund and transfer policy. (Check our “Bookings / Policies” page for full terms.) SWS Mountain Guides

Q: Is attendance mandatory?
A: Yes — full attendance and participation is required for certification.

Q: What happens if weather or emergencies disrupt the schedule?
A: We build in flexibility. In case of adverse conditions, instructors will adjust the timetable to ensure all required material is delivered.