Bridge (WAFA to WFR) (Bridge)
Upcoming Bridge (WAFA to WFR) Courses
Summary:
The WAFA to WFR Bridge course upgrades the WMA Wilderness Advanced First Aid to a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) in 4 days. This course must be taken within three years of receiving the Wilderness Medical Associates' WAFA certificate. The WFR is the definitive medical training course for all outdoor professionals and enthusiasts.
Description:
Wilderness Medicine
Wilderness Medicine differs significantly from standard Red Cross courses and other programs that are oriented toward the urban environment. This course teaches 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.
Class Format
This course is presented in 36 hours over four 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.
Course Sponsors and Instructors
Wilderness Medical Associates’ courses are offered by a variety of sponsors in the US and abroad. Sponsors may set rules regarding parking, dogs, the use of alcohol, and other site-specific issues. The course sponsor sets the tuition and provides the classroom and any housing or meals that may be included. All courses are taught by WMA instructors who have been through our rigorous selection and training process and adhere to our course standards and curriculum.
Textbooks
All teaching materials are provided by Wilderness Medical Associates at no additional cost. This includes a book of lecture handouts, a 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 successfully complete the WAFA to WFR Bridge 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
Within three years, graduates may recertify by way of the 36-hour Wilderness Advanced First Aid Course, the 36-hour Bridge Course, the 24-hour Open Recertification Course or the 16-hour WMA Recertification Course. Wilderness Medical Associates WEMT and WFR graduates may also use this course to recertify their WMA certificates.
Prerequisites:
- Current WMA Wilderness Advanced First Aid certification within three years of the Bridge course (proof of certification required) or a WFR or WEMT recertifying within three years
- 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 this course. Those under eighteen years of age will require the written consent of a parent or guardian.
Syllabus:
Day 1: 9 hours - Registration/Introduction; Review Pre-course Study Packet; Patient Assessment System; Circulatory/Respiratory Systems; PAS Drills; Basic Life Support (Healthcare Provider-level CPR)
Day 2: 9 hours - Quiz/Case Studies Review; Nervous System; Spine Management; Musculoskeletal; PAS Drill; Dislocations; Patient Immobilization; Litter Carries and Belays; PAS Drills
Day 3: 9 hours - Quiz/Case Studies Review; Emergency Childbirth; Allergy & Anaphylaxis; Altitude or Diving; Frostbite; Near Drowning; Search and Rescue; Traction Splints; Improvised Litters; Simulation and Debrief
Day 4: 9 hours - Case Study Review; Backcountry Medicine; Toxins; Medical Kits; PAS Drills; Written Test; Skills Testing; Conclusion
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.
