Description:  The definitive wilderness course in medical training, leadership, and critical thinking for outdoor, low-resource, and remote professionals and leaders. The Hybrid Wilderness First Responder program is the ideal medical training for leaders in remote areas including outdoor educators, guides, military, professional search and rescue teams, researchers, and those involved in disaster relief. The curriculum is comprehensive and practical. It includes the essential principles and skills required to assess and manage medical problems in isolated and extreme environments for days and weeks if necessary.

The course is divided up into two components:

• E-Learning - learners complete 30+ hours of course work at their own pace in an asynchronous format (5-8 hours/week based on a 6 week schedule or 10-15 hours/week based on a 4 week schedule). Course work is due prior to the In-Person Learning session. Students have the option to attend virtual office hours by appointment. 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
• In-Person Learning - learners participate in 5 consecutive days of training (40+ Hours).

Students must register at least 2 weeks before the course date to ensure enough time to complete the e-learning portion. 

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!

Best Suited For:

• Disaster Relief Personnel and Volunteers
• Outdoor Educators
• Outdoor Guides
• Military
• Researchers
• Search and Rescue Personnel and Volunteers
• Anyone with the desire to develop skills beyond the Wilderness First Aid level

Topics Covered:

• The General Principles of Wilderness and Rescue Medicine with an emphasis on the prevention and identification of medical emergencies, appropriate technology, and risk management.
• Patient assessment and emergency care including CPR, basic Life support, and the emergency treatment of anaphylaxis and asthma.
• Environmental Medicine including altitude illness, hypothermia and heat illness, frostbite and cold injury, lightning, submersion, and environmental toxins.
• Backcountry Medicine including the assessment and treatment of common medical problems.
• Musculoskeletal Problems including unstable and stable injuries overuse syndromes, and dislocations.
• Wound management including open fractures, lacerations, burns and blisters.
• Practical skills including splinting, bandaging, litter packaging and medical kit preparation.
• WMA International Wilderness Protocols including wound cleaning and exploration, spine injury assessment, dislocation reduction, CPR in the remote setting, and anaphylaxis and asthma.
• Lifts and Carries
• EMS in the Wilderness
• Litter Packaging
• Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers CPR

Duration: 30+ hours pre-course work; 40+ hours classroom

Minimum/Maximum # Participants: 6 minimum, 24 maximum

Pre-Requisites: 

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Learn well in a self-directed study and a fast paced on-site training environment.
• Technology skills and access to complete e-learning course work (see tech requirements above).

Course Fee: see class price list

Certification: Participants will earn certification in...

• "Wilderness First Responder/BLS for Healthcare Providers CPR" valid for 3 years (Wilderness Medical Associates)
• California State Epinephrine Auto-Injector Training Certificate valid for 2 years (Wilderness Medical Associates; eligible for state certification)
• 70 Hours of CAPCE CEU credit available

* Attention EMTs: A WEMS certification is not an option with this course.

Included Materials:

• Wilderness and Rescue Medicine: A Practical Guide for the Basic and Advanced Practitioner
• The Field Guide of Wilderness and Rescue Medicine
• Wilderness First Responder Class Notes
• SOAP Notebook
• Handouts

Renewing Certification: Recertification can be earned at anytime during the three years following your course. Please refer to the WMAI recertification guidelines (click link) for more details.

Course Schedule: See schedule.

Refund Policy