Open Recertification (January 15-17, 2010)


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

Summary: The Open Recertification course is open to graduates of ALL wilderness medical training courses of 64 hours or longer with a current certification. Successful graduates of this course will receive Wilderness Medical Associates’ Wilderness First Responder, Anaphylaxis, and BLS/Healthcare Provider-level CPR certifications. WMA™ WEMT graduates with a current EMT-B or Paramedic certificate may also recertify the wilderness portion of their WEMT with this course.

Class Format: This course is presented in 24 hours over three days. Typically, mornings are devoted to lectures, discussions and quizzes, with afternoons devoted to outdoor practical skills and scenarios. Evenings are reserved for study and assignments. 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 a book of lecture handouts, our case study workbook, SOAP Notes, our textbook, Wilderness and Rescue Medicine, and The Wilderness Medical Associates Field Guide.

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: The three-day Open Recertification course may be used as a WFR recertification option for those with a current WMA or other qualifying WFR. Only WMA graduates are eligible to use this course as a WEMT recertification. For the WEMT recertification to be valid, WEMTs must have either a current license or certificate as an EMT-B or higher. Contact the Wilderness Medical Associates office for more details.
Within three years, graduates of this course may recertify by taking the 36-hour Wilderness Advanced First Aid Course, the 36-hour WAFA-to-WFR Bridge Course, or repeating this 24-hour Open Recertification Course.

Prerequisites: To be eligible for a WFR recertification through this course, candidates must have completed a wilderness medical training course of at least 64 hours. Cumulative training hours from different courses are not eligible. Training must have been completed within three years of participation in our three-day Open Recertification course. Any exceptions to these conditions must be verified prior to the course by contacting the Wilderness Medical Associates office. Proof of current certification is required at the start of the course. Students without proof of certification or approval from the WMA™ office will not be eligible for WFR certification. Only WMA™ trained WEMTs are eligible for WEMT recertification through this course.
Upon receipt of a course roster from the sponsor, pre-course Study Guides will be mailed to students two to four weeks prior to the first day of their course.Students should complete the Study Guide in preparation for the course. It was designed to familiarize students with the essential points in the curriculum. Instructors will collect it at the beginning of the course but it will not be figured into the final grade.
Students must be at least sixteen years old to participate in the three-day Open Recertification course. Those under age eighteen will require the written consent of a parent or guardian.

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 needs 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 January 14th.

Directions: via Google Maps

The class begins on January 15th at 8:00am and ends on January 17th at 5:00pm. 

FEES:  Cost is $270 for Radford University students;  $320 for the general public.   Registration will depend upon space availability and logistical considerations.    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 Dec 31, 2009 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.

TO REGISTER: Click on this link to place your registration for the WFR Course. We are limiting this course to 14 participants.