Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prepare for a Wilderness Medicine course?
Q. Who is Wilderness Medical Associates?
Wilderness Medical Associates Canada is an organization devoted to the development of remote and practical medicine across Canada and beyond. We are made up of medical rescue professionals that actively work in remote or unconventional settings but are also experienced educators, researchers, and advocates for healthcare in wilderness contexts. With our international affiliates, we have been providing wilderness medical education training on all seven continents and our curriculum is the most recognized in wilderness medicine. We provide training in wilderness first-aid, wilderness first-response and specific courses for medical professionals and medical schools. Our curriculum and instructors are known as being among the best in both the outdoor and medical communities.
Q. What is wilderness medicine?
Wilderness medicine, including the application of first-aid, includes any context that involves patient care in extreme environments, when resources may be limited or non-existent, and evacuation to greater medical care may be hours, days or longer. Applications of wilderness medicine may be in a remote corner of the planet, but also include environments such as urban disasters, severe weather conditions, multiple patients, police and military interventions or any situation that creates a context with minimal resources or extended on-scene patient management.
Q. How is the course organized?
Wilderness medical courses are a mix of practical hands-on learning, combined with lectures. Usually the days begin with in-class work, and move to more practical, hands-on sessions that are outdoors in the afternoon. One hour is provided for lunch. Those in Wilderness First Responder (WFR), Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA) or Bridge Course can expect about an hour of homework each night as well.
Q. How long does the course run each day?
Typically classes start at 8:30 or 9:00 a.m. and run for approximately eight hours with a break for lunch. Participants will receive an email about 10-14 days before the course confirming the exact start time and location.
Q. Do I have to attend the whole course?
Yes, we cover a tremendous amount of information in these courses and in order to attain certification, 100% attendance is required. Also, anyone more than 30 minutes late for a class without the prior consent of the instructor may not be allowed to continue with the course for safety reasons, and out of respect for other participants.
Q. Will I get a confirmation that the course is going ahead?
If you are registered in a public course, you will recieve details of classroom location and start time by email approximately 10-14 days before the course. You will also receive a cell phone number for your instructor in case of any last minute problems. If you have not received this information within a week of the course, please get in touch with us immediately. If your employer if coordinating a private course, please check with them for details.
Q. Is pre-reading required?
The only courses that require pre-reading are the WAFA-WFR Bridge and Open Re-Certification courses which ensures participants are familiar with the material. Students registered for either of these will receive a booklet by mail that must be completed before the course. The instructor will be collecting it on the first day. Students registered in other courses are not required to do pre-course work, and course materials will be supplied on the first day of class.
Q. Can I take the Re-Cert or Bridge Courses if my original certification is not with WMA?
Usually the answer is yes. However, you must contact our office before registered in order to make sure we recognize your original course provider.
Q. What do I need to bring with me?
- Notebook and pencil/pen
- Watch with a second-hand for taking vitals
- Indoor/outdoor clothing including:
- Layers and warm clothing in case the weather changes during the day
- Outerwear appropriate to the weather (expect the unexpected)
- Clothing that can get dirty - students will be lying on the ground and stage makeup is used during simulations
- Rain gear - outdoor sessions go ahead regardless of the weather
- Footwear appropriate to the weather and rough terrain
Q. Are there any extras that are “nice to have”?
- Something to sit or lie on during simulations (eg. light sleeping mat)
- Old blanket or sleeping bag
- Warm hat and gloves
- Sunscreen, bug dope, sun-hat, sunglasses
Q. How tough are these courses?
Students can expect full, intense days of instruction. Be prepared to focus on the course material, including evening review. It is not possible to engage in any other significant activity (ie: a part-time job or school) while participating in this course. Physically, this course can involve hiking and scrambling through wilderness settings.
Q. What do I have to do to pass?
Students will be required to pass both written and practical assessments, as well as satisfactorily perform the required skills. All 80-hour Wilderness First Responder courses utilize a standard exam and the passing score is 80% or better.
Q. What kind of paperwork do I get?
Upon completion of the course you will receive:
- A certificate of completion
- A wallet certification card
- Healthcare Provider Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification
- A course badge
- Course texts and manuals (this varies depending on the course)
Q. Do I get a CPR certification during the course?
Yes. Upon successful completion of any course, students receive a Healthcare Provider Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) for Adults certification. Child and infant CPR is only included in the WFR (80 hr) course (or more advanced courses).
Q. How long is my certification valid for?
Certification is valid for three years from date of issue, unless your employer specifies that you must re-cert more frequently. Be sure to re-certify before your certification expires, or you may have to re-take the entire course again instead of the shorter re-cert.
Q. How do I re-certify?
This depends on the course. Most shorter courses require you to repeat the entire course to re-certify. This includes:
- Wilderness First Aid
- Wilderness First Aid for Field Services
- Wilderness Advanced First Aid
Our Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course may be re-certified by taking one of the following:
