Wilderness Medicine Courses
Do you like to go up into the mountains or down the river? Are you prepared to handle a medical emergency while in the backcountry? Being medically prepared in the backcountry is just as critical as having a map and compass! Get the proper wilderness medical training by taking a Kling Mountain Guides Medical course.
We offer multiple different courses, but our two most popular are the Wilderness First Aid and Wilderness First Responder. All of our medical courses come wih a certificate from the Wilderness Medical Associates (WMA).
WMA has been setting the standard in wilderness medicine and rescue training for over twenty-five years. WMA instructors are experienced medical practitioners as well as ski patrollers, paddlers, mountain guides, outdoor educators, and members of search and rescue teams. The instructors are professional medical practitioners not just teachers. If all you are looking for is the certificate, then look elsewhere. If you are looking for the best medical courses in Durango and the outdoor industry you have come to the right place. Trust the company that the National Park Service and other government agencies use as the measuring standard, WMA!
What is Wilderness Medicine?
Wilderness Medicine differs significantly from standard Red Cross style courses and other programs that are oriented toward the urban environment. Our wilderness courses teach what to do with a medical emergency when help is miles away and calling 911 isn’t an option. We prepare students for emergency situations that involve prolonged patient care, severe environments and improvised equipment
Gain Skills & Confidence
A WMA course will take you well beyond traditional first aid. We teach the procedures and the principles behind them. We want you to know how body systems behave, not just how to memorize signs and symptoms. Once you have taken one of our courses you will never forget what to do; you will understand what needs to be done.
Respond to Medical Emergencies
Whether you work or play in remote areas, our practical curriculum in wilderness medicine will prepare you to make good decisions in the field.
Wilderness First Aid and CPR (WFA):
Wilderness First Aid is a two day introduction to general medical concepts and Basic Life Support skills. It’s targeted to the outdoor enthusiast on day trips or short adventures. Learn more about the course by clicking the link above.
Wilderness First Responder (WFR):
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. Learn more about the course by clicking the link above.
Wilderness First Responder Open Recertification:
The Open Recertification course is open to graduates of ALL wilderness medical training courses of 64 hours or longer with a current Wilderness First Responder 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.
Wilderness EMT Upgrade (WEMT):
The WEMT Upgrade course builds on the EMS professional’s training and expertise to meet the special challenges of unconventional settings. It is designed for EMS personnel working in search and rescue, disaster response, remote job posts, and on wilderness expeditions. The curriculum emphasizes wilderness medical protocols, appropriate technology, prolonged patient care and the leadership role in managing medical emergencies in the field. This 5-day (45 hour) course will upgrade state EMT certification to Wilderness EMT. Current certification at or above the basic level is a prerequisite for admission. 45 hours of CEHs are available from Maine EMS and 45 Advanced Level CEUs from CECBEMS. Learn more about the course by clicking the link above.
Wilderness Advanced Life Support™ (WALS):
The Wilderness Advanced Life Support (WALS®) is Wilderness Medical Associates’ most advanced level course. Our 4.5 day (36 hr) course is open to certified or licensed advanced level medical practitioners involved in rescue, mass casualty, and remote outdoor environments or urban areas in crisis. This constantly-evolving course is highlighted by discussions of new and controversial ideas and the appropriate application of technologies; and we test some of these in the field. The learning environment is challenging, stimulating and fun. Category 1 CME credits for physicians and physician assistants, CEUs for paramedics and Contact Hours for nurses are available. This activity is also eligible for credits toward Fellowship in the Wilderness Medical Society’s Academy of Wilderness Medicine. Learn more about the course by clicking the link above.
*Kling Mountain Guides operates under special use permits in the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park , Moab BLM, Indian Creek BLM, Manti-La Sal National Forest, and Cedar Mesa Grand Gulch BLM areas. Kling Mountain Guides operates under the Durango Mountain Resort operating plan in the San Juan National Forest. Kling Mountain Guides LLC provides services and employment regardless of ethnic or cultural heritage, religious beliefs, sexual orientation or physical handicap. Josh Kling operates as an employee of Mountain Trip, San Juan College, Fort Lewis College, and the Silverton Avalanche School.. Mountain Trip, San Juan College, Fort Lewis College, and the Silverton Avalanche School all operate under special use permits from the United States Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management in their respective operating districts.**
