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The wilderness medicine program is invaluable training for professionals, recreationists, and those that are simply eager to learn. Our Wilderness First Aid and Wilderness First Responder courses build critical thinking skills and the confidence to handle the unexpected in any environment. “Wilderness Context” applies not only to remote backcountry settings, but also to urban areas where the infrastructure has been destroyed (i.e. natural disaster).

BLE is licensed to teach the Wilderness Medical Associates International (WMAI) curriculum. WMAI takes a conceptual and critical thinking based approach to teaching wilderness medicine and is one of the top leaders in the industry. The curriculum is based on nearly three decades of oversight and continual review by a faculty committee of medical practitioners. WMAI courses have been taught since 1984 and the curriculum is “the standard by which all other wilderness medical providers are judged”.
“It is often more important to have clarity about the urgency and severity of a problem than it is to have a precise diagnosis. We need to understand what a patient does or does not have and whether or not it is a big deal.”
david johnson, MD (WMAI medical director)
BLE instructors excel at breaking down large topics into simple and easy to understand concepts. They practice what they teach. Many have years of experience working in both the medical field as well as in the outdoor education/guiding industry. Learners can expect information delivered in a number of ways meeting a variety of learning preferences. Hands-on practice through life-like drills is a core component to all BLE’s first aid, CPR, EMS, and wilderness medicine training. BLE offers two types of course formats outlined below.

Hybrid Courses
Our hybrid courses offer an opportunity for those that have less flexible work schedules and anyone that wishes to engage with part of the curriculum over a few weeks at their own pace.
Our e-learning curriculum takes into account multiple learning modalities and uses a variety of activities that actively engage learners. Students take their learnings and apply them in drills and scenarios during the in-person portion of the course.
Technology requirements include:
- Computer that has the following:
- Internet Access
- PDF Reader
- Anti-Virus Software
- Internet Browser (latest version of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge)
- High Speed Internet
We currently offer hybrid options for Wilderness First Responder and Wilderness First Responder Recertification courses.
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Hybrid Wilderness First Responder/CPR
$750.00Click on course date in drop down menu below to view # of spots available.
By signing up for this course you are confirming that you are at least 18 years old, that you have reviewed the Wilderness Medicine Program information page, have the time, discipline, and technological capability and access to complete the e-learning course work, and believe this course is the right fit for you!
REGISTRATION CLOSES TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO COURSE START DATE TO ALLOW TIME FOR E-LEARNING COURSE WORK COMPLETION!
THIS COURSE TENDS TO FULLY ENROLL 8+ WEEKS PRIOR TO START DATE! IF A COURSE IS FULL CONTACT US TO GET ON THE WAITLIST!Hybrid Wilderness First Responder/CPR
$750.00Successfully Added to your Shopping CartAdding to Cart...
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Hybrid WFR/WEMS Recertification Course
$375.00Click on course date in drop down menu below to view # of spots available for each course date.
REGISTRATION CLOSES 10 DAYS PRIOR TO COURSE START DATE TO ALLOW TIME FOR E-LEARNING COURSE WORK COMPLETION!
THIS COURSE TENDS TO FULLY ENROLL 8+ WEEKS PRIOR TO START DATE! IF A COURSE IS FULL CONTACT US TO GET ON THE WAITLIST!
By signing up for this course you are confirming that you are at least 18 years old, that you have reviewed the Wilderness Medicine Program information page, have the time, discipline, and technological capability and access to complete the e-learning course work, and believe this course is the right fit for you!Hybrid WFR/WEMS Recertification Course
$375.00Successfully Added to your Shopping CartAdding to Cart...

Traditional Courses
These courses are for learners that prefer being in a physical classroom with an instructor the entire time. Engagement with the online learning management system (LMS) is limited to reviewing course expectations and logistics and completing information and release forms. Instructors may use the LMS to facilitate homework assignments and as a tool to disseminate resources.
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Wilderness First Aid/CPR
$275.00The best and most comprehensive course of its kind to offer relevant and realistic first-aid training for seasonal outdoor activities or short term wilderness endeavors and pursuits.
Proceeds from this course are donated to Eastern Sierra Conservation Corps.
Click on course date in drop down menu below to view # of spots available.
What is the best fit for me?
There are advantages and disadvantages to each course format. Below are some points to consider.
Hybrid Format | Traditional Format | |
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Pros | Less on-site days. – Potential lodging cost savings. – Less days to schedule off work. Students complete e-learning course work at their own pace. | In-person learning is slower paced. More time to demonstrate skill proficiency. |
Cons | In-person learning is faster paced. Less time to demonstrate skill proficiency. Can be difficult for learners who have limited technology skills and/or limited access to a computer and/or internet. | Longer on-site commitment. – Potential for higher lodging costs. Less opportunity for students to learn at own pace. |
Best Suited For | Students that have the self-discipline, time, and technological capability / access to complete e-learning activities on their own. | Students that do not have access to technological resources. English Language Learners. |