Wilderness First Responder

The Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course is a 9-10 day intensive course designed to prepare students with the training necessary to handle emergency medical situations when emergency medical access is delayed or unreachable. You’ll learn essential principles of wilderness medicine, how to perform comprehensive physical examinations, gather patient history, and evaluate vital signs.

Curriculum combines lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on practice in supervised scenarios to give students the tools they need to approach emergency medical scenarios in the background with confidence.

Course Outcomes

  • ✺ 1 ✺

    Master patient assessment and management skills, evaluate vital signs and treat a wide range of injuries and illnesses in wilderness settings

  • ✺ 2 ✺

    Recognize and manage emergency situations, perform extended patient care, and make informed evacuation decisions in remote settings

  • ✺ 3 ✺

    Lead with confidence, strong communication, and risk management skills for handling emergencies, including team coordination, documentation, injury prevention, and evacuation.

✺ Learn More ✺

  • Click Here to download the Wilderness First Responder Course Overview (NOLS)

  • This course is a comprehensive medical training program designed for individuals who work or recreate in remote, outdoor settings.

    Whether you are a multi-day guide, a scientist doing research in the field, or plan on being in extremely remote areas where emergency medical may be unreachable, this course is for you.

  • Overall course length varies from 9-10 days, encompassing approximately 80 hours of learning time.

  • Successful course completion will earn the following NOLS Wilderness Medicine certifications: 

    • Wilderness First Responder

    • Adult, Child, and Infant CPR & Airway Management

    • Epinephrine Auto-injector

  • Certifications are valid for 2 years from the date of completion. Recertification after 2 years is advised to ensure students maintain their skills and are up-to-date on best practices.

  • WFA is a basic, introductory course for short trips and quick access to emergency medical services, while WFR is a more comprehensive, in-depth course intended to prepare students for extended backcountry trips and those working in remote environments.