Wilderness First Responder

The Wilderness First Responder course is the industry standard for outdoor professionals and serious backcountry travelers who need to make critical medical decisions far from definitive care. Over the course of this intensive, hands-on training, you'll learn to assess and manage medical emergencies in remote and austere environments — where help may be hours or days away and equipment is limited to what you're carrying.

Who it's for

This course is designed for guides, outdoor educators, search and rescue volunteers, expedition leaders, camp staff, and anyone who spends significant time in remote wilderness settings. No prior medical training is required.

What you'll learn

• Patient assessment systems for wilderness settings

• Trauma management: fractures, dislocations, wounds, and spinal injuries

• Environmental emergencies: hypothermia, heat illness, altitude sickness, lightning, and near-drowning

• Medical emergencies: cardiac events, allergic reactions, diabetic emergencies, and more

• Improvised splinting, wound care, and evacuation techniques

• Long-term patient care and decision-making when evacuation is delayed

• Leadership, risk management, and group dynamics during a crisis

Format

This course combines online, self-paced instruction with realistic outdoor scenarios, moulage (simulated injuries), and mock rescues, so you leave with practical, muscle-memory-level skills — not just textbook knowledge.

Certification

Upon successful completion, you'll receive a WFR certification valid for 2 years as well as a BLS certification from the American Heart Association.