Wilderness First Responder: $675
April 23 - 27, 2012 - Durango, CO (5-day format)
Wilderness First Responder (WFR) is the definitive course in 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 all of the essential principles and skills required to assess and manage medical problems in isolated and extreme environments. This 5-day format is for individuals with less time available for on-site training and requires 25 hours of pre-course preparation. Our Five Day Wilderness First Responder courses are run in corporation with Medical Officer.net This course is available for for college credit through the Western States Extended Studies Department.
Description
25 Hours Pre-Course Preparation and 45 Hours On-Site Training
Class Format
This course covers the same material and meets the same criteria as our standard Wilderness First Responder. It is designed for students and professionals who have tight schedules and the self-discipline to complete approximately 25 hours of pre-course preparation.
A pre-course study guide is mailed to students two to four weeks before the course starts allowing time to complete the assigned reading, case studies, study guide, and tests. The on-site instruction that follows reinforces and expands on the knowledge already acquired. Because students arrive familiar with the didactic material, on-site daytime training can focus on wilderness and rescue scenarios and practical skills. 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.
The Five-Day WFR course has been through five years of development and testing. The pilot courses have been well received and very effective. However, we do need to emphasize that conscientious preparation is essential for success. This is not a short-cut version of our standard course.
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. Our textbook, Wilderness and Rescue Medicine, is included in the pre-course package for the five-day course
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 successfully complete the course will receive Wilderness Medical Associates’ Wilderness First Responder, Anaphylaxis, and Healthcare Provider level CPR certifications. The CPR course is based on the ILCOR/AHA guidelines as published in Circulation in November 2005. All WMA certifications remain valid for three years. At the discretion of your local or state EMS authorities, the WFR certification may qualify you to challenge the DOT First Responder Exam.
Syllabus
General Concepts in Wilderness and Rescue Medicine;
Patient Assessment System Critical Body Systems: BLS and CPR; Anaphylaxis and Asthma
Practical Skills: Lifting, Moving and Extrication; Spine Stabilization and Litter Packaging; Wound Cleaning and Exploration
Environmental Topics: Exposure Control; Bites and Stings; Altitude Illness; Cold Injuries; Diving Emergencies; Thermoregulation; Lightning; Near Drowning; Avalanche
Musculoskeletal Systems: Spine Injury Assessment; Musculoskeletal Injuries; Extremity Splinting; Dislocations
Other: Medical Legal Issues; Soft Tissue Injury; Toxins; Search and Rescue; Backcountry Medicine; Emergency Childbirth; Medical Kits
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 WAFA-to-WFR Bridge Course, the 24-hour Open Recertification Course or the 16-hour WMA Recertification Course.
Prerequisites
Students must be at least eighteen years old to participate in the Five-Day WFR course. No previous medical training is required.
What to bring:
Students should bring appropriate clothing for the location and time of year. Rain or shine, much of our time is spent outside. Also needed are pens and a notebook.
Registration, payment of fees, cancellation and refund policy:
- Payment due upon registration.
- If you cancel prior to 30 days before the course start, your payment will be refunded minus a $50 cancellation fee.
- In the unlikely event that a course is canceled by us, a full refund will be issue
- No refund within 30 days of course start.
