WildMed
Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician Upgrade
The WEMT course is an upgrade for the EMS professional who wants to extend their training and expertise to meet the special challenges of remote or unconventional settings. It is designed for EMS personnel working in search and rescue, disaster response, remote job posts, and on wilderness expeditions. The curriculum emphasizes wilderness medical protocols, appropriate technology, prolonged patient care and the leadership role in managing medical emergencies in the field. We hold this course infrequently, due to limited demand. Please contact our office for upcoming dates.
Details
Date: TBA
Duration: 5 days (45 hours)
Format: A mix of classroom and outdoor sessions
Cost: $879
Pre-requisites
- Current EMT certification (EMT B, EMT A or EMT P, Military Medic or PCP etc.)
- RNs, and MDs are also welcome
- Note: On a case-by-case basis, we will also be accepting others who are certified at the WFR, EMR or OFA Level 3 who have some patient care experience. Such patient care would include SAR, ski patrol, Coast Guard, fire rescue etc. Interested individuals with this type of background should first send an email outlining their interest and relevant skills and experiences to Program Director .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
- 18+ years of age )
- In good physical condition
Required Equipment
No rental gear required. Please see our Wilderness Medical FAQ for a list of basic outdoor clothing and equipment to bring to the course.
FAQ
More details about wilderness medical courses including what to expect and how to prepare. Wilderness Medical FAQ.
General Objectives
- Be able to apply wilderness medical protocols to a full range of medical emergencies and health issues in a remote or unconventional setting.
- Be able to utilize appropriate technology that would normally be carried into a remote or unconventional setting
- Be able to provide prolonged patient care in a remote or unconventional setting
- Understand the leadership role in managing medical emergencies in a remote or unconventional setting
Course Overview
The course is presented in 45 hours over five days. Mornings are devoted to lectures, discussions and quizzes with afternoons devoted to outdoor practical skills and scenarios. Evenings are reserved for study and assignments. Expect rescue scenarios with made-up victims and simulated wounds to prepare you for backcountry emergencies. Sessions may be videotaped for enhanced learning.
Course Outline
Day 1: (10.5 hours) - Logistics and Introduction; General Concepts; Patient Assessment System; Critical Body Systems Review; PAS/SOAP Practice; Spine Injury Assessment; Medical/Legal Issues
Day 2: (9 hours) - Test I/Review; Anaphylaxis and Asthma; ALS/BLS Appropriate Technology; Lifting, Moving, Extrication; Litter Packaging and Carries; Scenarios I
Day 3: (8.5 hours) - Test II/Review; Pain Management; Soft Tissue Injury; Wound Cleaning and Exploration; Musculoskeletal Injuries; Extremity Splinting, Dislocations; Scenarios II
Day 4: (9 hours) - Test III/Review; Environmental Medicine; Scenarios III; Search and Rescue; SAR Exercise
Day 5: (8 hours) - SAR Exercise Debrief; Expedition Medicine; Scenarios IV; Medical Kits and Medications; Test IV and Course Debrief
Completion and Grades
Successful completion with certification is based on 100% attendance, satisfactory performance on homework assignments and written quizzes, demonstrated proficiency with practical skills and a grade of 80% or better on final written exam. Wilderness Medical Associates is committed to making reasonable accommodation to any student with special needs.
Student Take Aways
All teaching materials are provided by Wilderness Medical Associates at no additional cost. This includes:
- Lecture handouts
- WMA Case Study Workbook
- SOAP Notes
- Wilderness Medical Associates’ Wilderness and Rescue Medicine (textbook)
- Wilderness Medical Associates’ Field Guide
