Wilderness First Responder (WFR) Course (May 9-15th, 2011)


For information regarding course description, qualifications and schedule see http://www.wildmed.com

Summary: Wilderness First Responder (WFR) is the ideal medical training for outdoor educators, guides, SAR team members, and others who work or play in remote areas. The curriculum is comprehensive and practical, including the essential principles and skills required to assess and manage medical problems in isolated and extreme environments. This course is offered in several formats.

Class Format: The Wilderness First Responder course is presented in 70 hours and offered in several formats. The five-day format includes approximately 25 hours of pre-course study and testing. The course sponsor may modify any of these formats to include a day off, extending the total duration of the program. Typically, half of your day will be devoted to classroom lecture and discussion with half outdoors for practical skills training and scenarios. Evenings are reserved for study and assignments. You should expect rescue scenarios with made-up victims and simulated wounds to prepare you for backcountry emergencies. Sessions may be videotaped for enhanced learning.

Textbooks: All teaching materials are provided by Wilderness Medical Associates at no additional cost. This includes the WMA textbook, case studies workbook, field guide, lecture notes, and handouts.

Completion and Grades: Successful completion with certification is based on 100% attendance, satisfactory performance on homework assignments and written quizzes, demonstrated proficiency with practical skills and a grade of 80% or better on final written exam. Wilderness Medical Associates is committed to making reasonable accommodation to any student with special needs.

Certification: All eligible students who complete this course will receive Wilderness Medical Associates' Wilderness First Responder, Anaphylaxis, and BLS/Healthcare Provider-level CPR certification. These certifications remain valid for three years. This certification can be used to challenge the DOT First Responder Exam, which is at the discretion of the local or state EMS authorities.

Recertification: Recertification can be earned at anytime during the three years following your course, but no later than the last day of the month in which your original certificate expires. Recertification options include the 36-hour Wilderness Advanced First Aid Course, the 36-hour Bridge Course, or the 24-hour Open Recertification Course

Prerequisites: Students must be at least sixteen years old to participate. Those under 18 years of age will require the written consent of a parent or guardian. Certain course sponsors, including those offering the five-day format, may set a higher minimum age or establish other requirements consistent with their program. No previous medical training is required.

WFR Course Content

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 Wilderness Protocols including wound cleaning and exploration, spine injury assessment, dislocation reduction, CPR in the remote setting, and Anaphylaxis and Asthma.

What to bring: Bring appropriate clothing for the location and time of year. Remember that, rain or shine, much of our time is spent outside. You will also need pens, a notebook, and a watch with a second hand. See our Student Handbook and speak with the sponsor for more information.

Location:  Selu Conservancy, Radford Virginia 
Cost is $10.00 per person per night. Participants need to provide their own food. Meals need to be simple as the kitchen facilities are limited. A linen package is available for $10.00/week or you can furnish your own sleeping bag and pillow. These arrangements are separate and need to be paid before departure. Arrangements have been made for early arrival on May 8th.

Directions: via Google Maps

The class begins on May 9th at 8:00am and ends on May 15th at 5:00pm.  

FEES:  Cost is $525 for current Radford University students; $675 for the general public. Registration will depend upon space availability and logistical considerations. This course is limited to eighteen participants..    Checks, cash, or credit cards are accepted. 

DEADLINE: Given the limited number of participants we can accept, we need a firm commitment to attend.  To hold a place, you need to pay in full by April 29th by 4:00 P.M.. We encourage you to register and pay the fees as early as possible.  Once fees have been paid in full, a non-refundable $50.00 cancellation fee will apply unless registrant can find a replacement.No refunds after May 3rd.

TO REGISTER: Click on this link to place your registration for the WFR Course. We are limiting this course to 18 participants.

If you have questions regarding the course please contact Andy Borak at aborak@radford.edu or call 540-831-7134