WildMed
Wilderness First Responder (WFR)
Widely-regarded as the best course of its kind, this comprehensive course is designed for professionals or other individuals who work or play in remote locations for extended periods of time, and teaches critical thinking focussed on patient management when self-evacuation is the only option.
In depth medical concepts are practiced and simulated, with the goal being the understanding of a “systems-oriented” approach to patient care. Advanced medical techniques include anaphylaxis management, use of epinephrine for asthma, spinal clearing, CPR cessation, high-risk wound management, and reduction of simple dislocations. Approved through Alberta Workplace Health and Safety as equivalent to Advanced First Aid. For more information on where and how our courses are recognized, please contact us.
Details
Duration: 9 days (80 hours) with one day off (8 days of course time)
Format: A mix of classroom and outdoor sessions
Cost: $879
Re-certification
There are three ways to re-certify a WFR. Click here to see re-certification options
Pre-requisites:
- 18+ years of age (16-17 with parental permission)
- A high school education (or equivalent) is recommended (but not required) in order to master the required knowledge and skills.
Required Equipment:
- Notebook and pencil/pen
- Watch with a second-hand for taking vitals
- Indoor/outdoor clothing appropriate to the weather
- Footwear for rough terrain
FAQ
For more details about this course, including what to expect and how to prepare, please view our Wilderness Medicine FAQ.
Course Outline
- Registration & Introductions
- General Principles of Wilderness and Rescue Medicine
- Prevention and identification of medical emergencies, appropriate technology, and risk management
- Patient Assessment and Emergency Care
- CPR, basic life support, and the emergency treatment of analphylaxis and asthma
- Environmental Medicine
- Assessment and treatment of altitude illness, hypothermia and heat illness, frostbite and cold injury, lightning, submersion and toxins
- Backcountry Medicine
- Assessment and Treatment of common medical problems
- Musculoskeletal Problems
- Unstable and stable injuiries, overuse syndromes, and dislocations
- Wound Management
- Open fractures, lacerations, burns and blisters.
- Practical skills including splinting, bandaging and medical kit preparation
- Patient Packaging and Transport
- Improvised spine boarding and litters, litter carrying and management, and other carrying techniques
- Simulations
- Fully “moulaged” scenarios (realistic theatrical make-up and props)
- Video-recorded for extensive analysis and debrief
- WMA Wilderness Protocols
- Wound cleaning and exploration, spine injury assessment, dislocation reduction, CPR in the remote setting, anaphylaxis and asthma.
- Conclusion
Take Aways
- Wilderness First Responder Certification Card and Patch
- Basic Life Saving (BLS) CPR Certification (Adult/Child/Infant)
- Course Texts
