3 min read

What is your preferred classroom setting?

Jason Marsteiner

Are you required to have a WFR Certification for your job? Or do you want to learn medical skills for when you are venturing out into the wilderness, just in case something happens to you or your loved ones? Perhaps you saw a stranger go down on a trail and didn’t know what to do and want to learn so that next time you can save a life or at least help them with their pain?

If you have to sit through a mandatory lecture for your WFR Certification, which of these two pictures looks more appealing to you? If stuffy, badly lit, classroom settings are not for you and you prefer to breath in fresh mountain air while you get your learn on, check out our WFA, WFR and CPR certification classes in July 2019. Limited spots available so sign up now before its too late!

Are you serious about expanding your depth of medical knowledge and improvised medical care? Looking to improve your skills in dealing with medical issues in backcountry environments? Ever consider becoming a Wilderness First Responder (WFR)? Our challenging seven-day WFR program, referred to as the “Gold Standard” in wilderness medical care, is primarily intended for non-medical professionals who are traveling in the backcountry and serving as wilderness guides, outdoor instructors, outdoor educators, Search and Rescue (SAR) team members, ski patrol, medical personnel for adventure races/events, missionaries, expedition medical team members, etc. A WFR is responsible for preventing and identifying medical problems, initiating reasonable and appropriate field management of medical issues, and identifying when and how to safely evacuate patients presenting with potentially life-threatening problems.

Our curriculum includes:

Human Anatomy and Physiology
Patient Assessment Skills
Vital Signs and Homeostasis
Airway Adjunct Indication and Use
Indications and Use of Medical Oxygen
Recognizing and Treating Soft Tissue Injuries
Bleeding Control and Shock Management Techniques
Tourniquets and Hemostatic Agents
Alternative Wound Closure Techniques
Bone Injuries and Splinting
Improvised Traction Splints
Strains and Sprains
Dislocation Reduction Techniques
Head and Spinal Injuries
Abdominal and Thoracic Issues
Burns and Thermal Injuries
Bites, Stings and Envenomation
Altitude Illness
Drowning, Lightning and Avalanche Concerns
Heat and Cold Related Issues
Medical Emergencies in the Backcountry
Introduction to Rotary Aircraft Ground Operations
Emergency Carries and Improvised Litters
Lost Person Mentality and Behavior
Medical Kit Mentality
Medical Leadership
Medical Considerations in Remote Expedition Planning
Incident Command Options for Wilderness Operations

Day and night practical exercises are a critical learning tool for this material. This program is physical in nature, and a reasonable level of fitness is expected of all participants. The American Safety and Health Institute serves as the certifying agency for our WFR program. Certification is valid for two years. Adult, child and infant CPR and AED use is included as part of this program.