Hosted by NOLS Wilderness Medicine and IslandWood
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The Wilderness First Responder course is essential if you work or recreate in the outdoors or in other austere environments where access to medical care is delayed or communication is unreliable. It is the industry standard for professional guides, trip leaders, search and rescue team members, outdoor recreationists, and international travelers. Upon completion, you will be able to conduct a thorough physical exam, obtain a patient history, assess vital signs, provide emergency care in the wilderness, and make crucial evacuation decisions. During this fast-paced, engaging course, you will spend half your time practicing skills and participating in realistic scenarios, including a full-scale night mock rescue.
NOLS Wilderness Medicine’s nationally recognized curriculum encompasses a wide range of topics including long-term patient care, wound management, selective spine immobilization, reducing dislocations, litter packaging, and epinephrine administration. Dynamic educators who have practiced medicine in both wilderness and urban environments will teach you skills and protocols to step forward in an emergency, and you will finish the intensive 80-hour course with the tools and confidence to manage patients in the backcountry for multiple days.
Upon successful course completion, you will earn the following NOLS Wilderness Medicine certifications: Wilderness First Responder, Adult and Child CPR & Airway Management, and Epinephrine Auto-injector.
AGE
16+
COURSE OUTLINE
For the full course outline, visit the NOLS WFR Course Outline page.
CLASS FORMAT AND PERSONAL PREPAREDNESS
Course days run from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with two additional evening sessions. Ten-day courses will include a day off; nine-day courses will not. The class format is classroom lectures integrated with practical scenarios, case studies, and skills practice sessions. Attendance is required at all classes.
Scenarios and practice sessions will take place both inside and outside. Bring outdoor clothing appropriate for lying on the potentially wet, snowy, or cold ground playing the role of both rescuer and patient. Frequently stage (moulage) blood and make-up are used to enhance the realism of a scenario. The classroom environment generally lends itself to a pair of comfy shoes or slippers and a camp chair. A 4-hour evening, outdoor mock rescue is part of the curriculum; dress accordingly.
PACKING CHECKLIST
We encourage guests to bring their own toiletries and items that will make your stay more comfortable. If you forget something, our Gift Shop sells a small variety of sundries.
- Mask
- Notebook and pencil or pen
- Watch with second hand or digital second
- Sunglasses and hat
- Water bottle
- Headlamp
- Light day pack
- Waterproof outerwear top and bottom
- Light hiking boots or sturdy shoes
- Clothing layers that allow you to be comfortable in a variety of weather options
- Slippers or comfortable shoes for classroom time (optional)
- Camp chair for classroom time (optional)
- Insect repellent
- Luggage that can be rolled easily or carried backpack-style (porter service is not provided and our lodges are set back from the parking lot)
- Personal Toiletries
REGISTRATION AND PROGRAM PAYMENT
The program fee includes instruction, textbooks, equipment use, certification, and continuing education credits. A full refund will be given if we need to cancel the course for any reason.
Course Cost:
- $950 – Basic Package (includes program fee and lunches)
- $1,850.00 – Full Package (includes program fee, overnight lodging, and all meals)
CONTACT US
Have questions, or want to learn more? Please feel free to contact the IslandWood Events Team at [email protected].
