5-Day Wilderness First Responder

Summary

This is an intensive version of our standard course and requires 30+ hours of self-directed pre-course review of a textbook and completion of a study guide prior to 40+ hours of in-person learning over the course of five days. This course is ideal for those who are good at self-directed textbook learning or have prior medical experience or training. Conscientious preparation, studying, and time prior to the course is essential for success. Students are provided an electronic or physical textbook and downloadable study guide to review the curriculum and are expected to come to class ready to engage in drills and skill practice. We recommend that students register for the course four weeks prior to the course start date to allow time to 1) receive the textbook by mail (if applicable), 2) download the PDF Study Guide, and 3) adequately complete the 30+ hours of pre-course work. If the course start date is less than two weeks away, students will no longer be able to register for the course due to insufficient time to complete the pre-course work. Students are encouraged to register and begin pre-course review in advance of the required deadlines. All students must complete all pre-course work prior to arrival on course.

Prior to enrolling in a course, please review our Functional Position Description. The criteria set forth in this document allows students to self-assess their ability to meet the demands of both a WMAI course as well as the demands of a certified wilderness medical provider in the field.

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.

Students will have access to the WFR Study Guide two to four weeks before the course starts. They are required 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 5-Day WFR course has been through five years of development and testing. Conscientious preparation, studying, and time prior to the course is essential for success. This is not a short-cut version of our standard course. Established WMA International clients and other groups who are interested in this new format are encouraged to contact us about this offering.

Textbooks

The following teaching materials are provided by WMA International at no additional cost:

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. WMA International is committed to making reasonable accommodation to any student with special needs.

Certification

All eligible students who successfully complete the course will receive Wilderness First Responder, Anaphylaxis, and BLS/Healthcare Provider level CPR certifications. The CPR course is based on the 2015 ILCOR/AHA guidelines.  All WMA certifications remain valid for three years. The course is registered for 70 hours of continuing education credit through the CAPCE.

Recertification

Recertification can be earned at anytime during the three years following your course. Recertification options include the 36-hour WAFA-to-WFR Bridge Course or the 24-hour Open Recertification Course.

Prerequisites

Upon sponsor registration, the sponsor will send students information to access their online pre-course materials via Moodle two to four weeks prior to the first day of their course. Students must be at least 18 years old to participate in the 5-Day WFR course. Certain course sponsors may set a higher minimum age or establish other requirements consistent with their program. No previous medical training is required.

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

Certifications

All eligible students who successfully complete the course will receive Wilderness First Responder, Anaphylaxis, and Healthcare Provider level CPR certifications. The CPR course is based on the 2015 ILCOR/AHA guidelines.  All WMA certifications remain valid for three years. The course is registered for 70 hours of continuing education credit through the CAPCE